5 underlying problems for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City 

#2 Reluctance to play Phil Foden

Phil Foden has been one of Manchester City's brightest youth prospects in recent times

A few months back, Pep Guardiola stated that 18-year-old Phil Foden was the “most talented player” he’s ever seen. That is some statement coming from a manager who has witnessed a certain Lionel Messi in his blossoming years. However, the Manchester City boss has not backed up his remark as Foden has only featured for the Blues for a mere 83 minutes in the league this season across 7 appearances.

Although the teenager has started two Champions League and Carabao Cup games each, those matches were barely testing for City. Guardiola, when asked about Foden’s lack of playing time, has often given City’s illustrious midfield of David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne as the reason he is bottom in the pecking order. But why claim he is “ready” to be a starter in this team when all City fans get to see are pointless 10-minute cameos.

Club captain David Silva is in his last season at the Etihad and at 33 years, he can’t play every game. Ilkay Gundogan has been impressive at times for City this season, however, he has been more effective as a regista rather than in front of Rodri. Ideally, City fans would love to see Bernardo Silva more centrally but the Portuguese has often been shoehorned into the right-wing. All of this screams for Phil Foden to start at least some league games. The England U21 is not only passionate and dexterous but also extremely good on the ball. He has an incredible passing range, immaculate vision and also an eye for goals.

Pep Guardiola is yet to give Phil Foden a Premier League start this season

At just 18, Foden has already won an U-17 FIFA World Cup, two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and an FA Cup, most of it with a City team filled with superstars. With the Champions now 14 points behind Liverpool and the league now almost a formality, Guardiola needs to reignite this City team, and starting Phil Foden will do just that.