Pep: Foden almost ready for De Bruyne's centre stage

KEVIN De Bruyne watched from the bench at Elland Road as Phil Foden was finally given the chance to show he is now the anointed, natural successor to the peerless Belgian.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, right, celebrates with Manchester City's Phil Foden after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road in Leeds, England, Saturday, April 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

KEVIN De Bruyne watched from the bench at Elland Road as Phil Foden was finally given the chance to show Pep Guardiola and Manchester City supporters that he is now the anointed, natural successor to the peerless Belgian.

City manager Pep Guardiola rested the 30-year-old, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid, and, in a re-shuffled formation, played Foden, nine years his junior, in a central midfield, playmaking role.