Can De Bruyne & Foden Play in Midfield TOGETHER?

In this in-depth analysis, I explore whether De Bruyne and Foden can coexist in midfield, breaking down the formations, systems and tactical roles City deploy to assess whether two of Man City's best players can form a dynamic partnership in the middle of the park.
Delve into this comprehensive examination of their abilities, potential synergies, and the impact on the team's overall performance.
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#KDB #ManCity #FootballTactics
Thanks for watching Can De Bruyne & Foden Play in Midfield TOGETHER?
Lots of love,
LNobbins x

[@CITD444]

If Kev retires at city we should Retire the No. 17 with him. No one should be allowed to wear that shirt again

[@Nobbins]

Can’t wait for his statue

[@liljupiter44]

I kinda disagree. The number 17 should be open because so it can inspire more your players to play like kevin

[@unfreredxcede]

- best player of club history - best #17 of football history - not a 1-11 shirt number - would be more prestigious than a statue - would prevent club from dishonouring the number like #21

[@CITD444]

@@liljupiter44 no 17 should be embraced if kev moves to another club and retires. If he stays another 4/5 years and retires as a city player it should be forbidden and cherished

[@SomethingSomewhereJustOnce]

I don't agree. That's just stupid and I already hate that the Indian Cricket team has been doing this too often. I don't want City to start doing this too.

[@fragtige4143]

Pep has made a system where no striker wins you a title. He made inverted full backs a norm. He made a center back move into midfield. And now he’s made a striker play central midfielder. At the end of the day, if phil doesn’t work at CM… pep will just come up with another crazy innovation that will make it work😂

[@Kebabzs]

On a side note Fernandinho is one of the most underrated players of all time being able to cover that much space basically being behind 2 10s

[@Nobbins]

Best DM in the Prem for me

[@HaydenTaylor-qs1si]

100% agree with ya mate!! Bernardo would totally provide more balance, but Foden and Kev together in midfield would be a dream!!

[@Nobbins]

Let’s hope Pep can figure it out 🤞

[@HaydenTaylor-qs1si]

@@Nobbins hopefully, I trust that genius to work his magic!!

[@goodman4093]

Foden is bit selfish. Kdb knows when to pass the ball

[@Ali48529]

Both lack the defensive skills this will only work if stones is fit to play so he can slot next to rodri to stop the counter attacks

[@ndhlovumichael]

Hope we get to see how that combination plays out in a match

[@Nobbins]

I’m sure Pep will want to experiment in a game like Burnley at home 🤞

[@Saeroye]

Wow lovveee the new style of your video. 😮 Great analysis and points made was very enlightening as long as Foden keeps playing and Pep trusts him he will reach maturity in midfield sooner. Look forward to your next video! Underrated channel on KZbin in fan created content. Upwards and onwards!

[@Nobbins]

Thank you! Sadly I can’t do these vids all the time, they take AGES but can do them every now and then

[@lordgemini2376]

Hopefully we see this later today against Newcastle at some point in the game!

[@Nobbins]

Hopefully we can be ahead by a couple goals 2nd half 🤞

[@enochaderibigbe3607]

Amazing video. You’re really well spoken and give great explanations. Can’t wait to see the channel grow more

[@Nobbins]

Thanks man!

[@kelvinjotor]

Man, this is a top-tier video... Keep up the good work Nobbins, glad you're for City...

[@Nobbins]

Thanks Kelvin! UTB

[@roytonboy7245]

Excellent examination of the issues, as always. Very thought provoking. As you rightly conclude, only time will tell on this one.

[@Nobbins]

Really glad you enjoyed the video man! It’s a headache for Pep but hopefully a good one!

[@Goal-with-the-flow]

I believe it can work if John stones stays fit. A foden /kdb partnership is more about who plays bedside rodri. One of the reason why Haaland scored so much last season aside him being a good 9 was down to gundo and kdb playing behind him . If stones can stay fit and play lots of games ,Then I don’t think we are ready for what is about to happen for a foden / kdb pairing. It just breaks my heart Alvarez who has been excellent will be affected for this to work. A very good video bro keep it up.

[@Nobbins]

It’s gonna be scary, but not for us! Thanks maye

[@GOODKiDMANCiTY]

Upload More !!! Always nice seeing you in other City YT channels. Up the Blues !

[@Nobbins]

Thanks man! Haha it’s great to hear you want more vids, these analysis ones just take ages to make for them to get to the standard I’m happy with! I wouldn’t be happy uploading loads of content for the sake of it, much rather give you guys high quality content every time! I am thinking of doing a couple live shows a week though in addition to my watchalongs, thoughts?

[@caribbean_racer_rr3]

​@@Nobbins Bring the live shows!

[@GOODKiDMANCiTY]

@@Nobbins live watchalongs are fun and interactive. You could also do a collab watchalong with LB that'd be nice. And I understand when you say you don't want to just upload content for the sake of it. Anyway all the best we love your work and a few city YT creators. All love from Kenya 🇰🇪 mate ! Up the blues !

[@rahinajoshi6480]

If pep makes it work, I can literally see Alvarez always being on the bench and being subbed at 80th min if lucky. 🥺

[@malevellysian]

always a good day when a new lnobbins vid comes _before_ a game!

[@Nobbins]

Hopefully this one was worth the wait!

[@Yassersharaf123]

Really enjoyed your attention to detail within the analysis!

[@matthewchidiac5948]

I’ve watched a lot of city games and Ive seen Bernardo play a box to box midfielder similar to gundo last season and which I hope to see him move into that midfielder next to Rodri when Off-Ball, that’ll allow foden to defend the wider position which he’s capable of when Off-Ball but can play down the middle On-Ball allowing Bernardo to return to the Rw and Stones to push up to 2nd Dm

[@caribbean_racer_rr3]

Good job Nobbins.

[@leonmandirunga5663]

Its a good presentation mate!

[@Siithabiso]

🤯 Had to subscribe immediately because this is some free game. Unreal analysis.

[@Nobbins]

Thanks bro!

[@1TheRaven]

Awesome video mate. Maybe it's just me, but that camera shake effect on you is distracting. Best of luck to the channel!

[@Nobbins]

I probably overuse it tbf haha! Thanks so much man feel free to enjoy my other videos too 💙🫡

[@MCFRTV0]

Amazing vid! Amazing channel, will start commenting more!

[@Nobbins]

Perfect mate 😃💙

[@MCFRTV0]

@@Nobbinsalso big up for responding to all comments ur the only big channel who does that (I think not sure lol) 👍

[@Nobbins]

I always try to respond to everyone of course matey 💙

[@ea1766]

excellent video! I watched the entire thing.

[@Nobbins]

Thank you!

[@_okayness_]

excellent - good work!

[@Nobbins]

Glad you enjoyed it matey thank you!

[@_okayness_]

@@Nobbins❤

[@sivekonce8694]

Brilliant breakdown bro 👏🏽💡

[@Nobbins]

Thanks so much!

[@KS_511]

Great analysis . Btw do you think that City should go into the January transfer market for a player like Gundogan ?

[@Nobbins]

Thank you mate! If the player is available 100%

[@gr3saeyend]

City should try to develop foden to be more like gundo

[@KS_511]

@@gr3saeyend I think Foden can play the KDB role better and can develop in that position as KDB is already 32 years old and once he leaves the club or retires Foden will have enough experience and flare to play in his natural position

[@ed-14]

Excellent video! thank you!

[@Nobbins]

Thank you Ed 💙

[@austinpadgett628]

This is the beauty at City right now. Players can play in so many positions and Pep has the balls to try and train new things/positions. Alvarez, Bernardo, Foden, Doku, KDB, Kovacic, Nunes can all play just ahead of Rodri/behind Haaland across all those four positions

[@Nobbins]

Total football

[@davidreed9300]

You make lots of really good points …if KDB played on the left, he could shoot more from the top of the key. And I would not do that to Foden, though I know he could play that part that Gunda used to play. Foden and KDB in the middle together….I can’t wait!

[@ojopresley8036]

Your video keeps getting better

[@Nobbins]

Thank you Ojo! I worked particularly hard on the editing for this one 🫡

[@HappyDavid-sz4vq]

Glory to Manchester city and a genius coaching performances from the coach and its coaching staffs

[@djn1856]

I think pep has been using the narrow right side with walker high/wide to try and fit foden in on the right, play him very narrow and allow walker, kdb do add the width

[@damianduguid6253]

100% agree on everything. Foden needs to improve defensively massively.

[@Nobbins]

That will come with time and experience for sure

[@CyprusPete]

Top analysis and regards from Cyprus 🇨🇾

[@Nobbins]

Shout out Cyprus! My Dad sort of lives near there (Crete)

[@CyprusPete]

We’re more or less neighbours 😊. Be sure to pop round when next visiting your Dad. (@ManCityOracle)

[@Facts4Fun1]

Good video. Well thought out. You might make a decent manager one day.

[@Nobbins]

Haha thank you!

[@KidWonder11]

What a great video

[@Nobbins]

Thank you!

[@CommanderNova69]

Just found this channel love

[@pmpsubba7232]

I think our best 11 Doku. Haaland. Foden Bernardo king kev Rodri Gvardiol. Akanji. Dias. Walker Ederson . I'm feel bad for Alvarez to not make it to 11 .. but it is what it is .. . Let's work on back to back champions league .. that's what we need for real .. Bayern and madrid will be tough test though ... Come on city .. 💙

[@bidhyashrestha2778]

Need some guys to swap.... no power on bench... imo Bernardo, Kevin, should get as much rest as possible ( our best game tempo setters) sub em off ASAP if game is goin our way....

[@pmpsubba7232]

@@bidhyashrestha2778 Agreed . With bob and Micha and Lewis along with the likes of kova n oll will help. I want oscar to stand out in coming years , I see a potential hazard in him .

[@shavafpv8890]

I prefer grealish or Alvarez instead of doku. I don't think doku is a city type player.

[@bluestrawberry5291]

What’s the app u used when you show the players and where they are playing examples

[@Nobbins]

It’s not an app, it’s a tactical board I’ve made

[@gr3saeyend]

Once kdb retires imagine a midfield 3 of a gundo-style developed foden, florian wirtz, and rodri

[@petermannion1983]

Worked a treat last night vs Copenhagen 👍 ⚽

[@Nobbins]

Playing together yes, but they didn’t actually play in the midfield together last night! The front 5 is actually the front 5 I recommend towards the end of the video. Bernardo and KDB in the middle with Foden on the right

[@paochongloi596]

Foden is the best with his Turn. We need Kevin for Line breaking which I don't know why others do not do it, except Foden. Alvarez tries to do but fails more. I feel like Pep will find a way.

[@yoonyulntaeny]

Walker has essentially been playing right wing this season and it has been amazing

[@kanversingh1935]

Damn KZbin didnt tell me it was posted but LB retweet came in clutch

[@Nobbins]

LB is simply a GOAT! Hmmm very weird about YT not telling you, do you have notifications on? How annoying! Really hope you enjoyed it my man 💙

[@kanversingh1935]

@@Nobbinsreally enjoyed it, especially love the Foden position, touches, win rate tab because that’s just so interesting. Idk honestly with KZbin , it reset and you video wasn’t in my feed until I searched it up but it is what it is.

[@Tsh336e]

Question to my fellow football fans. Do you think that Foden can be a long term/permanent replacement for KDB once he retires? 🤔

[@Nobbins]

I think he can! He’s not quite KDB and not quite David Silva, a mixture of both I think. A long way to go to match KDB’s passing but that’s a near impossible task

[@HaydenTaylor-qs1si]

For sure!!

[@gr3saeyend]

I think wirtz is preferred in that position with foden learning more defensive/controlling aspects he can be the perfect gundo replacement gundo played with us as a false 9 lcm cam cdm just a little more versatile than foden

[@adrishbiswas6501]

Great analysis as always but however if I may; the continuous motion edit was a bit jarring and distracting and the pacing of the video felt a little hurried. Minor suggestions from my end.

[@Nobbins]

Thanks mate!

[@EddyGTV_]

I have a question. What are your thoughts, especially after Oscar Bobb's great performance against Newcastle this weekend, considering the Left Winger situation Man City are experiencing? Who do you believe to be the most optimal choice for Pep to choice going forward?

[@Nobbins]

Love him. Bobb’s still not there yet in terms of starting week in week out but next season, think he will be

[@EddyGTV_]

Yeah, I definitely agree Bobb’s probably in the same foot as Foden, he’s still young and really talented, but he lacks experience in the defensive mid-field, especially touching on the points you covered in your video. But who do you think would be best for the wing on either side in the “perfect” team for Man City at this current moment? Ambidextrous and Fast Doku, a more Controlled Grealish, A Spontaneous Creative Foden, or a Wiser and Dexterous Bernardo?

[@Nobbins]

Personally I still want Grealish starting in most games, I really value what he offers this City side

[@levihui6368]

maybe a 343ish with foden and kdb as the 2 cams, grealish and bernardo wide and the usually defensive 5 (basically, make grealish and bernardo play slightly more back)

[@Nobbins]

Think the question will always be for Pep, how do I setup WITHOUT the ball

[@therealchupacabra]

It is forgotten so easily the form Foden and KDB were in just before the WC and Foden's injury. He. Was. Killing it!!!! Then Grealish got playing time and Foden has just now started to get the playing time he deserves. The better question is will Pep wake up and stop favoring Alvarez over Foden?

[@Nobbins]

I really hope so mate, will be interesting to see his first choice team once everyone is back

[@Honkformonk]

Hi, could you maybe explore the possibilities of Haaland dropping deeper without the ball?

[@AK-lq8ig]

Hi, its me from the future, it works.

[@Nobbins]

Nice

[@saarimkhan1246]

Hi it would be great if u please update ur discord server link. The link present on your about has expired

[@Nobbins]

Hi mate! Saw your Insta message was about to message you, the discord link in the description of this video should work!

[@saarimkhan1246]

​@@Nobbinsthanks mate

[@anshumansahu1087]

Only possible with a double pivot for better defensive cover.

[@Nobbins]

Will be interesting to see next season’s system!

[@anshumansahu1087]

@@Nobbins Probably that's where Kimmich comes in.

[@lengandsweet4008]

There 2 ways it can work number one when stones plays in he’s role allows foden and Kdb to play together or switch foden and Bernardo when on the ball and off the ball

[@Nobbins]

Ye that’s what I say

[@smartkiddlopz5019]

Great video greaat insight... foden is on form in that midfield position maybe pep will find a solution to make it work... hopefully

[@Nobbins]

Thank you mate! Yes I’m hopeful a solution can be found

[@twokeys2671]

We saw it work in the Newcastle game

[@Nobbins]

They didn’t play midfield together. They rotated between RW and midfield

[@tsdvaks]

Facts

[@alexisrex5634]

You didnt get to talk about the false nine formation I think thats where kdb and PF47 can play together

[@Nobbins]

I didn’t even consider that tbh because Haaland must play when fit

[@nikolamecava2783]

Can someone explain why is Walker captain over KDB

[@user-fg6gj4vk7p]

And Ruben dias also 😂😂😂

[@Nobbins]

Players voted for it I believe

[@dannybartlett4225]

Its a scary prospect and if pep can see a way he will make away

[@abukhalidali1823]

Yes they can play both in middle they played 2 years ago and Foden was scoring from shooting outside 18 Box...

[@Nobbins]

What season are you referring to? Foden almost exclusively played false 9 or out wide 2 seasons ago

[@ammarbaagu]

Foden in RW is wasted for sure. CIty have a heavy left sided bias when building up play and that means Foden would be mostly isolated again and can barely do anything given that he barely gets the ball (we all saw the stats where City almost surely to win the game if Foden gets more than 60 touches, he just makes things happen). this is especially true if Doku is playing LW because Doku almost always want to take on his player rather than switching sided (Grealish back passes usually allow the team to switch attacking side). I dont know tbh.

[@Nobbins]

Those RW issues should disappear when KDB is re-introduced thankfully 😃

[@CB-ms2cq]

The more and more I watch foden it’s clear he’s not similar to how KDB plays. He’s more similar to how gundo did for city. Definitely think they could easily work in the midfield. But we have a massive issue once KDB retires

[@Nobbins]

I really hope so! Foden to me is a mix of David Silva and KDB

[@johanisjakub]

Cancelo on the left wing would be majestic now 😭

[@Nobbins]

It would be an interesting idea to explore for sure! Just a shame about his alleged attitude issues 🤨

[@abdle1943]

last season de bruyne and alvarez played together so i think that de bruyne and foden could work

[@goodman4093]

Both foden and kdb can share the right side/wing every 10 mins . Walker should be more reserved to support loose ball. Bernado or kovacic must play to support Rodri .

[@Nobbins]

I hope so

[@juniorsinaise3340]

interesting

[@parsilankah]

Pep truts Alvarez more because he's more aggressive.

[@Nobbins]

Should be the other way around really

[@jaylin39]

I been waiting in front of my desk for about 8 days for this video!!! Yes I can sleep now!

[@Nobbins]

My editor apologises for the delay! (I am the editor) But yeah hopefully the wait is worth it! Wanted to put in even more effort than usual with this one

[@jaylin39]

Well, considered the editor is a first time offender of Section 115 (Delay crime) will severely reduce YOUR sentence. @@Nobbins

[@jaylin39]

The judge has concluded offender "Mr. Nobbins" will entered into AMP (Alternative Measure Program) for the case to be dropped: 1. Must complete watchalong for Man City vs Newcastle until match completion. 2. Must place a $5 bet of any kind FOR THIS GAME prior to the match to enhance your reaction during the watch along @@Nobbins

[@EBones23]

😂

[@Nobbins]

🤣 amazing Jacob haha, I’m so sorry but I can’t do a watchalong today as it’s the birthday of one of my gf’s friends! But I promise next watchalong I’ll put a bet on just for you

[@user-vr8fs8gg6h]

Why and how can i watch this video in a mini player when i leave the youtube app

[@Nobbins]

I’ve no idea mate

[@user-vr8fs8gg6h]

@@Nobbins i like it tho, does this also work on ur phone?

[@Nobbins]

It does not!

[@Telssa1]

Phil's great around the box, not on the wing, not in midfield; we've "only" had six years to find that out. Both CMs ahead of Rodri should be able to defend, not jump out of the way.

[@Nobbins]

Think the point is he simply needs time and experience to get to that point

[@abduljayconteh1858]

you are right it better he swap B.silver and Foden

[@kroon275]

Aa a Liverpool fan I hope not, but I hope they play together anyway lol

[@user-ir6gl4br4s]

Gvardiol can move forward and allow foden who play in LW move into midfield alonside KDB and let kovacic stay alongside Rodri

[@Nobbins]

Ye I say this

[@alone2break]

Man city has been playing without a right winger unless bernardo is there.. And when kdb is there, everything connects.. We need a true right winger that can cross..

[@TwoSox-]

yes alvarez is a striker but hes not just any striker. i think alvarez is better than foden defensively he plays with so much more energy over the 90 he did it in the world cup with messi next to him

[@Nobbins]

I’d disagree. Alvarez is a more intense presser than Foden, but that doesn’t equate to being better defensively, especially from a midfield orientation

[@jfreshstunna2436]

Get in Binnsy

[@aiyacharlene]

to be fair, you can play bernardo anywhere and it would be fine. he might not like it tho lol

[@Nobbins]

Yeah that’s one of Bernardo’s greatest traits

[@angelkilier]

Play Bernardo Silva as the LCM and play Foden as the RW. Silva can play as a CDM out of ball. Edit: apparently you came to this conclusion as well.

[@Nobbins]

Hehe always watch to the end!

[@BdubbsVt]

Potential defensive liability. Especially now considering kev isn't game fit.

[@Nobbins]

We’ll have to see indeed

[@Casual93]

KZbin football analysts make me feel old

[@Nobbins]

😂

[@buddhastl7120]

Just play Foden at LW and sub De Bruyne out in 70th minute for Doku. Foden moves to CAM. Alvarez subs for Bernardo. Let’s face it Grealish is average and Doku has played well vs lower level teams but struggles a bit for 90 min vs high tier teams. Doku fresh legs late in game help him tremendously and De Bruyne is aging and doesn’t have the fitness to play 90+ min game after game.

[@Nobbins]

Hmmmm

[@freakyholic]

It might seem like the case of playing Lampard & Gerrard together. Seems forced. Who knows

[@Nobbins]

I think Lampard/Gerrard could maybe have worked had they been put with the right players around them (e.g putting another box to box midfielder on the left was never going to work) I’m hopeful that with more control based wingers like Bernardo and Grealish, this should work no problem 😃

[@freakyholic]

@@Nobbins Interesting point! Pairing Lampard and Gerrard with suitable teammates could indeed have made a difference. Excited to see how the team dynamics evolve with control-based wingers like Bernardo and Grealish. 🤔

[@ncrstudios8192]

Foden gotta go. It’s a no brainer between him and Julian

[@Nobbins]

😭

[@ultramage1]

Lol short answer is no ..Alvarez is a better defensive player than foden and he's a striker , he presses better too...foden loses the ball in key areas too much ...almost as much as a winged which is why pep played him there last season

[@Nobbins]

He’s not a better defensive player at all from a midfield perspective. Being a better presser from the front isn’t the same as being better defensively at all. And no, Foden doesn’t..

[@ultramage1]

umm, yes it is, not only does he press but he also doesn't make risky passes like Foden when he wins the ball back, heck Grealish is a better defensive player than Foden too,if you disagree, you can ask pep who has said multiple times that foden doesnt slow the game down enough in midfield which is why he played him on the wing..fodens best trait is coming into that AM role when close to goal . @@Nobbins

[@Nobbins]

Alvarez is the definition of risky pass and giving the ball away in midfield, so no idea what you’re talking about

[@davenamakhwa3278]

i havent even started watching the video but i can tell you it cant work

[@Nobbins]

Simply cap

[@Alejandro_543]

Top videos 🙌🙌🔥🔥

[@yatesy117]

Can 2 world class players work together? Hmm not sure ill have to give that one a think...

[@Nobbins]

As we know, football (particularly Pep’s) is never quite that simple!

[@BnkexpressBE]

Foden is gundugan's prodigy and did you just say wingers like grealish and Bernardo? Grealiah is not even a winger in my opinion...for that you meed dribble skills and he has none, you clear forgot doku, wonder why that is

[@Nobbins]

Yes, because they are control based wingers, rather than Doku who emphasises less on control

[@travistarr9433]

No. Foden isn't good enough to play midfield. Foden is a winger.

[@Nobbins]

I disagree, Foden’s limited as a winger and this season he’s clearly demonstrated how good he is in midfield

[@thecitizens4573]

This is jusy stupid. Kdb play with david silva one the greatest ever. The same position as foden

[@Nobbins]

Not really as I explain

[@kaskovic1993]

Foden has always been overrated, back to the bench like past few seasons

[@Nobbins]

Great joke mate!

[@stasysuter9939]

Yet another you tube city ticket Dodger, how boring.

[@Nobbins]

What the fuck are you talking about

[@jawelNeezeker]

Foden a side character when De Bruyne plays xD

[@Nobbins]

Everyone is a side character when KDB plays, he’s the best player City have ever had