Pep Guardiola has revealed that Phil Foden’s “unique” qualities make him most effective as a No10, after the England international scored in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield. Pep Guardiola reveals Phil Foden best position – highlights the Catalan’s conviction that central areas bring out the very best in his academy graduate.
After a difficult campaign last season, the 25-year-old has started the new term in resurgent form. Following standout performances in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal and a Manchester derby win over United, Foden struck City’s opener on Wednesday night. Guardiola was emphatic post-match, stating that when Foden operates in pockets behind the strikers, he becomes a “real threat”.
The Huddersfield tie also gave Guardiola the chance to showcase academy talent. Eighteen-year-old Divine Mukasa led the line, while Jaden and Reigan Heskey – sons of England great Emile Heskey – came off the bench for their senior debuts. The manager praised the influx of youth, noting the pride their families would feel at watching them on the big stage.
Guardiola on Foden: unique as a No10
“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. When Phil plays in that position behind the strikers, he’s a real threat.” — Pep Guardiola
Guardiola went further, referencing Foden’s displays across multiple fixtures: “The game against Arsenal, United, Napoli, he was really good.” The comments confirm that Guardiola sees Foden as central to City’s attacking blueprint moving forward.
A turning point for Foden?
Last season was a stop-start affair for Foden, marked by inconsistency and niggling injuries. Now, he looks revitalised, notching key contributions in domestic and European competition. Operating in the No10 role, he has been able to link play, drift into dangerous areas, and supply the creativity that City need in tight matches.
His resurgence comes at a perfect time for City, who are chasing glory on multiple fronts again. With Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes carefully managed, Foden’s ability to thrive centrally could be decisive in keeping City sharp across all competitions.
Phil Foden 2025/26 Season Stats
| Stat (2025/26) | Phil Foden |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Goals | — |
| Assists | — |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: Premier League & Carabao Cup data – 24 September 2025
Up-to-date statistics will flesh out Foden’s resurgence, but his direct impact in goals and creativity is already lifting City’s attacking balance.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William argues Guardiola’s clarity on Foden’s role could be transformative:
“Foden has always had the technical quality, but positional uncertainty often held him back. Guardiola naming him as a No10 removes that ambiguity. In central pockets, Foden can turn, drive, and link with City’s forwards, offering the closest thing they have to De Bruyne. If he continues in this form, he could become City’s most important player this season.”
William also praised Guardiola’s trust in academy graduates: “Handing debuts to the Heskey brothers and starting Mukasa shows Guardiola is planning beyond this season. Integrating youth while maximising Foden’s prime years is smart management.”
Key Insights
- Pep Guardiola reveals Phil Foden’s best position is as a No10.
- Foden scored in City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield.
- Guardiola says Foden’s freedom behind strikers makes him “unique.”
- Academy talents Divine Mukasa and the Heskey brothers featured.
- Foden’s revival comes after a difficult 2024/25 season.
What’s Next for Man City and Foden?
City return to Premier League action this Saturday, hosting Burnley. Foden’s form makes him a near-certain starter, and his role as a central creator will again be under the spotlight. For Guardiola, the task is to keep Foden fit, confident, and central to the team’s play.
In the Carabao Cup, City’s reward for beating Huddersfield is a trip to Swansea in the next round. With depth being tested by a packed schedule, Guardiola will rely on Foden’s consistency while continuing to blood academy prospects.
👉 Do you think Phil Foden can finally make the No10 role his own at Manchester City this season?
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