![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/5000073.jpg?r=1696717923068\")
<\/p>\n
“When Phil plays as a right-winger, he can do it,” said the former Barcelona manager. “In the beginning when he played as a left-winger, he played well. In the middle he can play right, left, in the pockets – no problem.<\/p>\n
“What I would like in the end is that he plays as a holding midfielder, or one of two holding midfielders. For that, he needs to understand the game as a whole, in everything, not just ‘me’.<\/p>\n
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n
Read more… <\/strong> “But at the same time, he has this instinct, natural, like the big talents, in the final third. I\u2019m not going to stop him. I\u2019m not going to step in and say, ‘Don\u2019t do that!’ Because he\u2019s unique.”<\/p>\n Foden scored 15 goals in all competitions last season as City romped their way to a memorable silverware treble. The Stockport-born star has scored twice in his last four games, and there would be no better stage on which to continue that run than the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with last season’s title-race protagonists going head-to-head.<\/p>\n “I think Phil has a free instinct as a football player,” Guardiola continued. “He\u2019s not a player that thinks too much when he plays. He doesn\u2019t have to think, ‘Oh what has the manager said to me?’. He\u2019s a bird, flying wherever it wants.<\/p>\n On the prospect of moving further back in midfield, he added: “Sometimes it is the step one has to gain as a football player, playing in that position which carries some duties for the team.”<\/p>\n
Ten Hag digs out two Man Utd players and lays down law after Brentford scare[REACTION] <\/strong>
Man Utd hero McTominay discloses Ten Hag message before Brentford comeback[LATEST] <\/strong>
Man Utd ‘plan contract extension’ for Victor Lindelof as two clubs show interest[REPORT] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/5000074.jpg?r=1696717923281\")
<\/p>\n