Pundit suggests the real reason for Phil Foden axing amid new Man City reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed Pep Guardiola is “being smart” by dropping Man City star Phil Foden to “protect” him before this month’s World Cup.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Jack Grealish is in need of game time in the 22-year-old’s place as he looks to hit top gear before the Qatar showpiece tournament.
Foden, who started 10 of the first 10 league games of the season, has been dropped from the starting line-up for Man City’s last two league games against Brighton and Leicester.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (22 October), Guardiola insisted he will not hesitate to drop players he feels are holding back to prevent injury ahead of the World Cup.
Foden, who recently signed a mega-money five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, has notched seven goals and three assists.
The 18-cap star is almost certain to be a part of the England squad for the World Cup when it is announced later this month.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Pep’s being smart.
“He’s helping Foden, he’s helping Gareth Southgate. There are players like Grealish who need the game time, as well.
“There are not many teams who can afford to drop a player like Foden and bring in a player from the bench with similar quality.
“Foden has been really sharp but he I understand that he needs protecting, while Grealish needs that run in the side to really find that form.
“It’s really smart from Pep, but it helps that he has the players at the club which allow him to do that.”
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