Man City: Kevin De Bruyne takes part in shooting drills
Manchester City fans are ecstatic with Phil Foden’s inclusion into the starting line up ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Aston Villa. Foden will start in midfield next to Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri as part of Pep Guardiola’s 4-3-3, which doesn’t include star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne put together a masterclass performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernanbeu.
The Belgium international led the Citizens to a stunning 2-1 victory as he set up Gabriel Jesus’ equaliser, following Isco’s opener, and netted the winner from the penalty spot.
The 28-year-old appears to have been dropped to the bench for tactical reasons and is likely to come in during the final at Wembley.
But most of the fans appear to be pleased with Guardiola’s team as they believe Foden deserves to start and will put together an impressive performance.
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Guardiola didn’t drop the Belgian superstar because of his performance as he has been singing his praises ever since the Champions League victory over Real.
The Catalan manager sees him as an integral part of his team with immense talent that never feels any pressure.
Guardiola previously said: “It’s not necessary for me to say anything about Kevin any more. Just take a look at how he plays.
“His performance level, the continuity, the influence in the final third and our finishing. The desire, his calmness and positivity.
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“I asked him, ‘Kevin, what did you feel before you took that penalty?’ He just said, ‘I’m going to score’.
“He doesn’t feel pressure. He likes to play in the big events. He sees something special and the spaces no-one else can see – and he’s improving and improving.
“I think he crossed to Gabriel without knowing Gabriel was even there. He was thinking, ‘Gabriel, you have to be there’.
“That’s the best way to express the talent Kevin has.”
Manchester City XI: Bravo, Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Foden, David Silva, Sterling, Aguero