City’s midfield maestro is quickly learning the lessons in midfield

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Phil Foden is learning quickly from his mistakes. The England international made a costly error late in City’s 2-all draw with Crystal Palace. Foden conceded a costly last-minute penalty which cost his side two points. But since then the midfielder has learnt the harsh lesson and blossomed in a central role.

While the talent Foden has was always earmarked for a midfield role the City youngster has had to serve an apprenticeship before being blooded into midfield. Pep Guardiola had previously spoken of Foden having to learn the craft of being a midfielder.

But at times the lessons have to be learnt in the harshest ways. While Foden’s error against Crystal Palace was costly it may have been a blessing in disguise. Since that mistake, City’s young midfield maestro has been at his best. He has put in back-to-back man-of-the-match displays against Everton and Sheffield United. He was also in fine form as City clinched the FIFA Club World Cup with wins over Urawa Red Diamonds and Fluminense.

Speaking after his side’s 2-nil win over Sheffield United Guardiola was full of praise for Foden. He compared him to City legends David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan. He also praised the midfield maestro for learning from his error: “Like David Silva from before, for example. Or Gundo, for example. They are really, really good in these spaces. That’s why I’m really pleased that Phil again, since after Crystal Palace, I think he learned the lesson, and Urawa, Fluminense, Goodison Park, and today, he had been outstanding – all four of his games have been top, top, top class. Playing good, and scoring goals, and assists, and all the important things that we need of him.”

Phil Foden learning the lessons from his error quickly has been vital for Manchester City. He has been a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side’s last 4 wins as the young midfielder develops into a premier midfielder.