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Kevin De Bruyne will be more useful to Manchester City in a 20-minute appearance from the bench, rather than rushing him back into the starting line-up against Huddersfield, Pep Guardiola says.
De Bruyne is back in training and set to make his return to action against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Sunday, but Guardiola has urged caution over the Belgian’s return after almost five months out with a hamstring injury. The manager is keen to ease De Bruyne back in to avoid a recurrence of his injury and ensure his long-term availability for the rest of the season.
That stance is likely to give Phil Foden another run-out at the top of midfield against City’s Championship opponents in the cup, with Guardiola calling the youngster ‘unbelievable’ at No.10 in recent weeks. With De Bruyne returning, however, Foden’s minutes in his preferred central position could be limited.
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Unless Guardiola figures out a way to play De Bruyne and Foden together as No. 10 doubles. It would be a tempting prospect for City enthusiasts to see arguably their greatest player of all time married to their most exciting young academy graduate, but is that possible?
Foden began the season switching from the right wing, creating a double-number 10 alongside Bernardo Silva or Julian Alvarez in a formula that relied on Kyle Walker offering width on the right. If Rodri patrols the subsidised midfield through John Stones, it is conceivable that De Bruyne and Foden will play as No. 8 attackers. And that’s an option Guardiola is open to.
“He [Foden] is a different player [from De Bruyne] but it’s true that in the last three and in the decisive moments he has an impact,” Guardiola explained. “In balls, in passes, there’s a lot. Phil has played unbelievably over the last few years in this position, in threats. He feels comfortable.
“In some games, of course, they can play in combination in that position in the wallet in the middle near the box. In other games, for stability, no. We have to take it day by day. “
To overlook Foden centrally in favour of stability suggests that Guardiola is still giving him time to learn the tactical discipline needed to play as a No.10. It may be that when City face the bigger teams, who can pose them more problems on the break, then Foden may be moved back to the wing, or out of the starting XI altogether.
But the idea of Foden and De Bruyne joining Erling Haaland’s portfolio will excite City enthusiasts and terrify opponents. While this may not happen immediately, Guardiola warns that De Bruyne needs time to fully return to his best.
“It would be fantastic if Kevin played at his best, but now I’m not asking him to play at his best,” Guardiola said. “Be calm, play smart minutes and apply the principles you have to follow. The rest will come. ” We can’t force him or a player with a long-term injury. From my experience as a player it was similar, I was out for a year with a hamstring problem. When you come back, you want time.
“You have to be relaxed, enjoy the minutes you’re going to play. Try to enjoy the games, try to win them. Kevin in 20 minutes can help us for more than 90 minutes. Then its structure will dictate how you do it. ” There’s a lot of extra minutes he can get. “
If De Bruyne is reinstated, from the bench, Foden will have more time to reclaim his role in midfield. He may even get a few minutes at the end of games in January to start his partnership with De Bruyne.
This looks like a win-win scenario that, if handled correctly, can lead to an exciting new offensive duo.