PHIL FODEN is reportedly growing frustrated by his lack of minutes for Manchester City amid transfer interest from Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old has made just one start in the Premier League since the 1-0 win over Arsenal in mid-October.
He was restricted to a final-minute cameo appearance in Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Newcastle, having been left on the bench for three of the last four league games.
Foden was particularly frustrated not to start against the Magpies after impressing in the Carabao Cup quarter-final romp against Arsenal last Tuesday, according to the Telegraph.
Pep Guardiola‘s comments after the Gunners clash that Foden “has to slow down a little bit” reportedly sparked concern that he has some way to go before becoming a regular.
The City boss added: “He wants to win the world, he wants to eat the world and he wants to be important. That’s normal, but he needs experience to be more calm.
“He plays football in the same rhythm and football must be played in different rhythms. Sometimes you have to walk, sometimes you have to have rhythm, sometimes you have to change the rhythm.
“He has to understand this but that [comes with] experience, not advice.”
Real Madrid have been linked with a swoop for Foden, with the Mirror claiming Bernabeu bigwigs believe they have a chance of luring the playmaker away from the Etihad due to his lack of league action.
But the England international is reportedly committed to City and sees his long-term future at his boyhood club.
Foden, under contract until the summer of 2024, is eager to show his worth but has faith in his working relationship with Guardiola.
Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, which has limited Foden’s opportunities in his favoured No10 role.
The Stockport-born ace has long been seen as City’s heir to David Silva, who won 11 major trophies in 10 years at the Etihad before joining Real Sociedad last summer.
Guardiola previously said: “When David said it was his last year I told the board we have Phil, so we don’t have to invest.”
