Phil Foden Returned To Central, Best Performance Comes

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden was the happiest while playing number 10 after his brilliant 2-0 win over Huddersfield at the Carabao Cup.

Foden has returned to his best form after last season's difficulties. He paved the way for Manchester City with a good opener in the first half.

Savinho added the Citizens' second goal to provide a more tangible picture of their dominance despite the difficulty of finding a lethal pass in the final third of the pitch.

"Of course. Near the penalty box, I think he played perfectly in the defense area."

"When he plays a little free and close to the penalty box, he can do something unique, we know that."

"When Phil played in that position, behind the strikers, he was a real threat. We've seen him with Phil in recent games."

"When the team plays better, when every player takes out its potential, but not just today."

"The match against Arsenal, (Manchester) United, Napoli, is very good," Guardiola said when asked if Foden was the happiest to play in a more central position.

Guardiola made nine changes after the 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend. Only Foden and Nico O'imanya were maintained in the starting line-up.

Teenage striker Divine Mukasa, one of six local players in the starting line-up, made his first senior appearance.

Meanwhile, two other players - the sons of Emile Heskey, Reigan and Jaden Heskey - made their senior debuts.

"Today, six players from the academy joined the starting XI. Two more entered, the Heskey brothers. I think their father and mother will be very proud of their children. That's really cool," said Guardiola about his young players.

The Manchester City manager also gave Kalvin Phillips his first appearance since December 2023 and said the midfielder was the father for the second time on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

"It was a good moment because yesterday he was a father to Harry Phillips. He came this morning from London."

"Now he will return to London to meet his wife and children. Of course, he came back (to play) for a few minutes. We don't know if he can. However, the game is under control," said Guardiola.