Phil Foden’s brilliance once again became the highlight of Manchester City’s latest victory, with manager Pep Guardiola showering the young star with praise after a stellar performance in the Carabao Cup.
The England international was the driving force in City’s 2-0 triumph over Huddersfield Town on Thursday (September 25, 2025) in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Foden not only opened the scoring with a well-taken goal but also dictated the tempo of the match from a more central position, showing why many believe this is his natural role.
Guardiola Hails Foden’s Central Role
For Guardiola, this display was not just about another good night for Foden—it was confirmation of where the 25-year-old plays his best football. The Catalan coach highlighted how Foden looks most comfortable when deployed as a central attacking midfielder, operating in the number 10 role behind the strikers.
“Of course, closer to the penalty area he’s just outstanding,” Guardiola told reporters. “Phil thrives in tight spaces, and when he plays with that bit of freedom near the box, he can create something truly special. We all know what he’s capable of.”
The manager stressed that this wasn’t simply one great game but the culmination of several consistent displays. From his perspective, Foden has repeatedly proven that he’s most dangerous when positioned centrally rather than out wide.
Not Just a One-Off Performance
Guardiola pointed out that Foden has already delivered big performances against some of Europe’s toughest opponents, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Napoli. His ability to operate between the lines and cause havoc in congested areas is becoming a decisive weapon for City.
“When Phil plays in that space behind the forwards, he’s a constant threat,” Guardiola added. “Against the big teams, he’s shown his quality time and time again. This is no coincidence—he’s growing into one of the most complete attacking midfielders in the world.”
A Showcase for Manchester City’s Young Talents
The clash with Huddersfield wasn’t only about Foden. Guardiola made nine changes from his regular Premier League lineup, giving plenty of opportunities to City’s younger players. Six academy graduates started the match, and two more made senior debuts.
“Today we had six academy players in the starting XI, and two more came on. Even the Heskey brothers made their debut,” Guardiola revealed with pride. “Their families must be incredibly proud. Moments like this are very special for the club.”
This commitment to youth development is a hallmark of Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City, ensuring that while established stars like Foden shine, the next generation is also given the platform to grow.
Kalvin Phillips Marks a Special Return
The night also carried emotional weight for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who returned to action after a long absence. Adding to the occasion, Phillips had just welcomed his second child into the world a day before the match.
“It was a beautiful moment for him,” Guardiola said. “Yesterday he became a father again, and today he came back on the pitch. We weren’t sure if he could feature, but the game was under control, so he got some minutes. It was perfect.”
City March On Without Missing a Beat
Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield secured their spot in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. More importantly, it reinforced Guardiola’s belief that Phil Foden has finally found his most effective role in the team—not as a winger, but as a central creator pulling the strings.
For City fans, that realization could mean the start of an even more dominant era for one of their brightest homegrown talents.
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