Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England’s national football team, recently dropped a bombshell. Guardiola’s going to deploy Phil Foden as a No 9 in a courageous tactical call. In a recent pre-match press conference, Tuchel pondered the notion of deploying Foden in this position. His innovative approach to England’s attacking strategies was by far the most impressive. With Harry Kane as the main man up top, Tuchel envisions Foden as a menacing partner-in-crime, most notably during key clashes.
Foden’s versatility is another asset, as evidenced in his various roles for Manchester City. It’s not surprising then that he’s only clocked 1,056 league minutes over the last four seasons. Whether it’s blanketing receivers downfield or rushing the quarterback, his unique talents make him an intriguing prospect. Tuchel has noted that if Foden maintains his current form, he is open to deploying him as a central forward.
A New Role for Foden
Last weekend in his match-winning performance Foden was adept at playing as a false No 9. He didn’t just assist Eberechi Eze’s vital 90th-minute equalizer, he opened the play for another Bukayo Saka opportunity seconds earlier. Aside from that, Tuchel is amazed by the talent Foden possesses. Brennan thinks that what will come as the greatest shock would be Foden shifting into a more central attacking role.
“If Phil stays in his shape and form, I have no problem [playing him as a No 9],” – Thomas Tuchel
His decision to treat Foden as a No 9 is in keeping with Tuchel’s bigger picture plans for City’s forward movements. He said that he had been thinking about this strategic move for months. That demonstrates that he has a bigger picture, long-term plan to phase in this exciting younger talent in major new roles.
Nevertheless, while admitting to being impressed by Foden, Tuchel was equally clear about the depth of competition. He pointed to Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck as less adventurous, more traditional choices for the No 9 role. This admission gives credence to the horrifying obstacles Foden faces. Out of position, he continues to battle and stay engaged to win a starting spot in a stacked group.
Foden’s Versatility and Potential
Manchester City prodigy Phil Foden’s versatility has always been on display, whether it be with club or country. Prior to being pushed up into the striker role, he was frequently defended against much deeper, nearly looking like an eighth spot on the field. His versatility to change roles and remain impactful is an attribute of tactical flexibility that Tuchel values highly.
Foden’s contributions in important games have proven his ability to flourish when it matters most. His minutes per position graph reinforces his versatility. This versatility allows for him to be in consideration for multiple starting positions within the lineup. So as Tuchel considers England’s second-choice plug-in striker options, him being a dangerous surprise like Foden should be at the forefront of each of their minds.
“I thought I did well, created a few chances and unlucky not to put a couple away,” – Phil Foden
Foden’s own thoughts on this international outing as a False 9 show a player hungry to take on new tasks. His willingness to adapt and learn is critical as he aims to bring out the best in himself on the international stage.
Addressing England’s Striker Conundrum
The argument for playing Foden as a No 9 too feeds into England’s wider struggle to find back-up options to Harry Kane in that position. With Harry Kane now a fixed asset as the main striker, Tuchel understands it won’t be easy to find the right backup.
“Well, it’s a big ask to challenge Harry at the moment – he’s in the shape of his life. The attitude, the work rate, the quality and the finishing ratio is just out of control, out of this world,” – Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel recently evaluated a long list of 50-60 players for England, and Foden’s name was included among those being considered for future matches. This kind of recognition demonstrates how much Tuchel trusts Foden’s abilities. It serves to underline his determination to find creative solutions and improve the quality of the team’s attacking play.
England preparing themselves for the fixtures in store. What fans want to see now is how Tuchel implements his game plan and whether or not Foden can find a spot in the starting eleven. His form as a No. 9 might just make or break the lion’s success on the footballing biggest stage. Most importantly, it is a bridge between immediate needs and long-term ambitions.
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