Jamie Carragher has questioned where Phil Foden fits into Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's plans ahead of the new Premier League season getting underway.
Foden has long been hailed as one of the best modern day English talents, but due to City's frequent starting line changeups, has struggled to gain consistent minutes.
The 24-year-old has already won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cup's, and four League Cup's after breaking through into the City first-team six years ago.
However, after only starting 22 English top-flight matches last season and used as a substitute in Sunday's Community Shield defeat against Arsenal has led to Carragher question where the England star fits in at City.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said: 'Phil Foden is not young anymore. Three or four years ago, we were saying he was going to be the best English player.
'It almost feels like Jude Bellingham has become that player, where he's the one we build this England team around. Foden can't quite get in the England team and can't get in the Manchester City team.
'Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have left, and they're playing in the Community Shield a week before the season begins, and he still can't get in the starting eleven.
'We all know how good he is – what is it that's stopping him? Pep played Alvaréz behind Haaland – that's a position where Foden could play, but he still doesn't play him.'
Foden possesses huge ability and has often demonstrated it on the biggest stage, scoring a hattrick against arch rivals Manchester United last season and making vital contributions during City's Champions League triumph.
But appears to be having starting opportunities limited as Carragher himself highlighted when analysing Foden's career.
The attacker forged a strong working relationship with record-breaking goalscorer Erling Haaland last season and there was hope that the youthful combination would continue to develop before injury hampered Foden's season.
The England international has four years left on his existing deal at Manchester City and would likely require a huge transfer fee to prize him away to another club.
TheBlueArmy
415
Foden doesn't fit Pep Guardiola's tactical play. The boy needs to calm down and play football without fear. Foden is always losing position he's everywhere and that's a problem when Manchester city loses the ball because now the full back isn't covered and again Foden is not a CAM or a no 10 so i agree with Pep on that one the aim was to play 4-2-3-1 comes 4-4-2 . Alvarez did better I think the 4-2-3-1 doesn't suit Manchester city. Foden must wake up and work hard he must always consult with Pep Guardiola ask him questions on where to improve and what to do on and off the ball same thing Graelish used to do till he nailed XI. otherwise Foden to me he's more of an 8 (half 8 half 11/7) see? he reminds me of Havertz in Chelsea FC you just don't know what position suits him. it's complicated and frustrating because we all can see his talent