Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is most effective as a No10 after the forward starred in Man City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield.
The 25-year-old is on the road to rediscovering his best form after struggling last season, producing standout displays in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal and a win in the Manchester derby.
He scored Man City’s first as they eased past Huddersfield on Wednesday, and, speaking at full-time, Guardiola said he felt Foden was at his best as a No10.
“Absolutely,” he said, asked if Foden was better in central areas. “Close to the box I think he plays in the pockets perfectly.
"When he plays a little bit free and close to the box, he can do something that is unique, we know that.
"When Phil plays in that position behind the strikers, he's a real threat.
"We've seen already with Phil (these last) few games. When the team play better, when every player makes his potential... but it's not just today.
"The game against Arsenal, (Manchester) United, Napoli, he was really good."
A meeting with League One outfit Huddersfield presented Guardiola the opportunity to give some of his younger talent a run out, with highly rated 18-year-old Divine Mukasa starting at striker.
The brothers Jaden and Reigan Heskey, sons of England great Emile, came off the bench in the second half to make their senior debuts.
Guardiola enthused about the youngsters: “Today, six players from the academy making the starting XI, two more came on, the Heskey brothers, I think their father and mother will be so proud of their kids. That's really cool."
City return to action on Saturday, hosting Burnley in the Premier League. They will visit Swansea in the next round of the Carabao Cup.
