Phil Foden says Pep Guardiola is the ideal manager to help him understand how to shine in central midfield.

Foden has spent much of his senior career on the wing but got the chance to play in the middle for Tuesday night’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.

The Academy graduate impressed, assisting two, scoring one and picking up the Man of the Match award.

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While it was a fine display alongside Rodrigo and Rico Lewis, Foden accepts he can improve off the ball when playing centrally and that Guardiola is the perfect coach to help him in that regard.

“He’s the best manager I could have asked for,” he said.

“His attention to detail – I’ve still got so many things that I want to get better at, especially playing in that role in midfield.

“I need to be more alert in the defensive side and get my positions right – I know that and I’m trying my hardest to get better at it and improve.”

It’s now more than six years since Foden made his first team debut, coming on in the second half against Feyenoord on 21 November 2017.

The Stockport-born star has now gone on to make almost 250 appearances for the Club, playing at least 45 times in each of the last three seasons.

The No.47 recognises how much of an achievement it is to have become a key figure for Guardiola’s all-conquering side.

“We’re one of the best teams in the world so it’s not always easy coming from the Academy into a team like this,” he said.

“In every position, we’ve got quality players, so I knew it wasn’t easy, but I was just patient and worked every day. I’m thankful now I’m getting the rewards and trying to help the team as best I can.”

The 23-year-old played 48 times in our Treble winning campaign in 2022/23 and is one of several players who has made an exceptional start to the new season.

He insists everyone at the Club is determined to do everything in our power to match the achievements of last year.

“Last year was successful and we’re so determined to do it again,” he stated.

“That’s what I like about the lads - we don’t just sit on what we did last year, we know the feelings, it’s an unbelievable feeling when we win something, and we celebrate as a team – we want that feeling again.”