I'll play anywhere — Phil Foden ready to replace De Bruyne in new-look Man City

Manchester City are gearing up for a new season, with hopes pinned on Phil Foden rediscovering the form that earned him the 2023-24 Footballer of the Year award.

After a stellar campaign with 27 goals, his worst followed, but the Club World Cup offered signs of a resurgence. Foden’s 100th goal for City, a standout strike in a 4-3 loss to Al Hilal, hinted at a return to his peak.

“I wouldn’t say [my] absolute best, but I was definitely feeling a lot sharper, I managed to score a couple of goals as well,” he said via the Independent.

With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, Foden is no longer seen as the Belgian’s successor but as a unique talent ready to lead. “I am not sure where the manager sees me this year.

“I can play in different positions, but we all know my position is the insides, in the pockets, so let’s see what happens.

I am not here to replicate what Kev did because we all know how good he was and what he did for the club. It is about trying my best, getting to the level where I won player of the year, I want to get back to that.”

This could be a defining season for the Stockport-born attacker, especially with the 2026 World Cup in view. Much will rest on how Guardiola utilises him, but one thing is clear, the best version of Foden is right up there with the very best.