Man City’s ‘unique’ Phil Foden getting back to his best, says Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reckons Phil Foden is getting back to his best. Foden scored in the 18th minute to give City a 1-0 lead in the EFL clash against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday. The Cityzens registered a 2-0 win after Savinho also found the back of the net in the 74th minute.

Meanwhile, Foden had scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2023-24 but had failed to replicate the same performance in the previous season.

When asked if Foden was happiest in a more central role, Guardiola said: “Absolutely. 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.”

Meanwhile, Teenage forward Divine Mukasa, as well as Emile Heskey’s sons Reigan and Jaden Heskey, made their senior debuts for City.

Guardiola was delighted with his young players, saying: “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.”

On the other hand, Huddersfield head coach Lee Grant was proud of his team’s effort as they were able to keep the opposition at bay when they had clear chances to score. 

Grant said: “Super proud of the group, the collective. I saw a group fighting really hard for each other.

“The amount of work and discipline to even come away with a 2-0 defeat is mammoth and not to be underestimated. I’m really proud of them.

“We can be really satisfied with limiting the real big moments in front of our goal.

“We’re under no illusions that they had lots of control and domination. They can really hide the ball from you.”

City will host Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday.