Foden has built up a reputation over the last seven years as a wonderful wide man in blue, excelling on both flanks during that illustrious spell which has seen him collect 16 major honours, including the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup earlier this season.
Of late, though, he’s been the centre of attention, flourishing in the middle ground with a host of assists and goals.
Foden has had a hand in seven goals in his last ten Premier League appearances - four goals, three assists – and since Christmas, he has created the most chances in open play in the Premier League of any player with nine.
It’s a role he’s enjoying immensely and the playmaker thanked boss Guardiola for trusting him to shine there.
“I’m loving my football – playing centrally now, I’m enjoying it even more,” said the 23-year-old.
“I always want to help the team with goals and assists as well – hopefully that continues, and I keep performing.
“You’re only as good as your last game and there’s so many things I can improve and get better at.
“I feel the support from him (the manager) – he’s always trying to improve me as a player and always telling me where I can improve so I like that about him.
“I’m enjoying this position I’m playing in now because I’m getting a lot more involved in the game and a lot more touches. Hopefully, I can continue to play there.”
Foden has, in his own words ‘built a good connection’ with Julian Alvarez, helping City stay in touch with leaders Liverpool in the Premier League this season as we eye four titles in a row.
We’re currently in third in the top-flight, just five points behind the Reds, but with a game in hand.
This has been done without Kevin De Bruyne, who has missed the entire league campaign to date minus the opening 23 minutes against Burnley and Erling Haaland of late, who’s been injured for the Luton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United games.
Those absences have seen added responsibility for Foden and Alvarez in attacking areas – and the pair have certainly responded.
“Me and Julian get on really well,” continued Foden.
“We’ve built a good connection; we’re scoring a lot of goals and assisting each other at the same time.
“We’re playing with a smile on our face and just enjoying our football.”
De Bruyne returned to action on Saturday, coming on a second half substitute in the 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield.
Not surprisingly, KDB provided an assist in his first game back, setting up Jeremy Doku for the final goal of the game.
Foden is thrilled to see the midfield icon involved again and wants to build up a strong rapport with him, as he has done so often in the past, to help the team, who are eyeing more honours across 2023/24.
“Who doesn’t want to play with Kev?” Foden added.
“When you play with Kev, he’s always going to find you in the good areas because he’s one of the best passers in the world.
“Hopefully I can play with him – whether it’s in midfield or off the wing.
“I’m just looking forward to him getting back to his best because it’s what the team needs.”
Next up for City is Newcastle United, who we face on Saturday in a 17:30 kick-off at St James’s Park.
The Magpies, ninth in the table at present, are always a tough proposition in their own backyard and Foden is well aware of the task in front of us.
“Newcastle are a really tough opponent – when we’ve played away at Newcastle previously it’s been really difficult to win,” he stated.
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“It’s going to be a challenge – they’re a challenging team, very physical, make it a fight at times.
“Hopefully, we continue to win because we’re playing good football.”
