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Man City star Phil Foden answers question everyone's asking about his best position
Phil Foden played a starring role in Manchester City's convincing win over Aston Villa.
Phil Foden has made it clear to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and his England counterpart, Gareth Southgate, that he views himself as a better player in central areas than out wide. The 23-year-old excelled in attacking midfield against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, notching a superb hat-trick in a comfortable 4-1 win.
Despite being labelled by Guardiola as the most talented player he has ever worked with, Foden had to settle for minutes out wide during the early years of his City career. Only this campaign has the Englishman regularly featured in central areas, partly due to Kevin De Bruyne's long injury absence.
Foden has performed so well in his new, more prominent role that many have tipped him to take the No 10 spot for England at the Euros this summer. James Maddison and Jude Bellingham are among the other top-tier stars competing for that starting berth under Southgate.
Following his hat-trick against Villa on Wednesday, Foden shared his own personal view about his best position, telling TNT Sports: "I see myself as a really technical player in the pockets.
"Out wide I can do that job but I prefer it in the middle. This year I'm growing into the game. The manager [Guardiola] has spoken to me about showing rhythm and slowing the game down, I've added that to my game as well.
"He told me I'd grow into that position. Before, I was going so quickly and attacking in every action, but now I'm getting the balance just right. I always try and arrive in the box late, that's where the goals are at. You get at least five per season doing that. I'm working on all aspects of my game in the midfield, there's still a lot to improve on and I'm still growing in that position."
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Foden is now up to 14 goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season, with City chasing down a fourth consecutive title. The win over Villa leaves them one point behind Arsenal and level with Liverpool, who host Sheffield United on Thursday.
Jhon Duran gave Villa hope at the Etihad Stadium with a well-taken equaliser, but Foden's three goals proved the difference. Rodri got the opener, and the Spaniard is now unbeaten in his last 64 matches across all competitions - an all-time record for a Premier League player.
Pep Guardiola previews Man City's clash with Aston Villa
Despite playing with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, Foden insists that Rodri is his most important team-mate. "I'm lost for words with this guy, mate," he told pundit Rio Ferdinand.
"He can do everything. He's adding goals to his game. You see it in and around the box, he can dribble. I don't see a weakness to his game. For me, he's our most important player. When he doesn't play there's a big difference."