Pep Guardiola sees the forward roles as the best place to use Phil Foden at Manchester City in the immediate future.
Foden came through the academy as a No.10 and was integrated into the first team as a midfielder, but has played almost exclusively as a forward over the last 12 months; as well as lining up on either flank of a 4-3-3 shape, the 20-year-old has even occasionally played as a central striker - he notably performed the role at home to Real Madrid last season.
Both Foden and Guardiola see the player's best position as being in midfield yet for the time being the manager would rather use him in attack rather than the No.8 roles not only because of what he gives the team but also his own personal strengths and weaknesses - perhaps indicating why he has not figured more prominently.
"In this moment I see him playing up front because he is dynamic, the sense of goal, he helps us with the first pressure and then afterwards backwards," said the coach.
"I’m pretty sure that with age – when he becomes 24 or 25 - he will be able to play more in the defensive midfield. He has to understand situations sometimes but it is part of the age.
"Now he can play both wings, behind the striker or a striker. His dynamic, the way he attacks the ball is incredible and that’s why as a manager having someone who can play in several positions is fundamental."
Foden's last four starts have all come in the Champions League and has gone close to two months without being named in an XI for a Premier League fixture.
However, Guardiola refuted the idea that he was more suited to playing against European opposition and stressed that the England youngster remains an integral part of the club's plans going forward.
"He gives us quality in Europe, the Premier League and the cups. He played against Madrid last season but not Lyon and then played this season. I don’t see the Champions League as completely different to other ones.
"Phil has been top all season, since the first game vs Wolves. He played so good, scored a goal. Phil is young but has specific energy, a specific quality. Of course he has to improve in the final decisions in 18-yard box, he has to be more patient in that moment, but that is his age.
"He is going to handle his energy through the years. We are delighted to have him and he’s incredibly important player for us, he knows it and the team knows it."
