Robinson ‘surprised’ by Phil Foden development at Man City – ‘it’s a weird situation’
Paul Robinson is “surprised” by Man City attacker Phil Foden’s lack of minutes in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 22-year-old’s situation at the Etihad is “a strange one.”
Foden was once again named on the bench when City took on Everton on Saturday (31 December).
The England international was brought on in the 87th minute with the game level at one each.
He has only started one of City’s last six league fixtures.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Foden’s lack of game time, Robinson said: “It’s a weird one.
“I have to say it surprised me when he did not start at the weekend.
“He only came on in the dying stages of the game which was even stranger. Pep Guardiola didn’t even give him time to make an impact. Given that the score was level from the hour mark, you would have thought Foden would have had more time. It is definitely a strange situation.
“Perhaps Guardiola believes [Jack] Grealish is fresher because he did not play in the World Cup. It could be down to a number of reasons.
“Leeds United and Everton are two games you would expect City to win. Maybe Guardiola is resting Foden and making sure he is 100 per cent fit for the games against Chelsea and Man United.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Man City fear ‘scaring off fans’ as source reveals financial overhaul.