Guardiola: Foden has the quality and ability to play like David Silva

Phil Foden played as a central midfielder in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday and scored his ninth goal of the season.

Ahead of Man City's EFL Cup tie with Southampton, Pep Guardiola compared the 22-year-old English player to Manchester City legend David Silva.

"He can play inside, but inside you have more attributes to do more things and pay attention more because there are more people, it is not just 'I am going to press and run', it is when and where,"

said Guardiola.

Foden attempted 34 passes and won three of his six duels against Chelsea. He also had 45 touches, with 41 coming in open play.

Guardiola added:

"The spaces are minor. Wider you have time but what is important is Phil has the quality to play in these small, small spaces, it is not easy to find.

"Bernardo [Silva] and David Silva can do it and Gundo goes close to the pockets of the central defenders – Phil has the quality and ability to do it.

"He is really good in small spaces, the goal he scored [against Chelsea], he is there. The action is good, the overlap from Kyle [Walker] and the right moment, the right tempo, the pass from Riyad [Mahrez], but in that moment he is there and to score a goal you have to be there.

"In that position, especially when they play five at the back it is important to have an extra player there. We maybe missed it a bit [in the draw] against Everton.

"Phil has these attributes. Of course he can play wider on both sides, he played top class in the last years playing wider but he can play in the middle."

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