But that presents a problem that Guardiola must solve. De Bruyne and Haaland walk back into the side when fit, but that means displacing the in-form duo who fired City to World Champion status. At least two of those players will have to play out of position in 2024. Or not play at all.

The number nine position is relatively simple. For all of Alvarez’s progress in Haaland’s absence, the Norwegian starts ahead of him when fit. Alvarez has played at number ten for most of the season, and will surely play there as an alternative for the rest of the season. He has proven himself as more than a back-up, and means City won’t have to rely on Haaland for the rest of the season.

De Bruyne at number ten

Alvarez’s chance of game-time is likely to come more at number ten, but then that is true of Foden and also De Bruyne. The Belgian’s best position is at the top of midfield behind Haaland – right where Foden has impressed recently behind Alvarez. City’s strongest midfield when everyone is fit is surely Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and De Bruyne.

 

So after all Foden’s progress in recent weeks, he may suddenly find himself in a position where he barely plays as the designated number ten again this season. Even despite Pep Guardiola seemingly saying he has finally mastered the tactical requirements needed to play there.

Since giving away a needless penalty against Crystal Palace to drop two points, Foden has been ‘top, top class’ at number ten according to Guardiola – who has twice this week noted Foden’s ability to create something from nothing and break City’s carefully-crafted system for a moment of individual brilliance.

“In the pockets to be aggressive Phil is exceptional for that,” explained Guardiola. “Every time Rodri or Mateo [Kovacic] and after Manu [Akanji] contact with him and control. Especially second half, he moved to his left side, with Oscar [Bobb] and Josko [Gvardiol] we create a lot of damage in that position. Rico when he came in.

To compare Foden to David Silva is unfair on both players, and he’s not the same player as Gundogan. It’s an almighty compliment for him to already be in that conversation, though, and be trusted to fulfill their role in the City midfield. Guardiola added that he hopes Foden has learned from his error against Palace and learn from the experience.

Dual number tens

But again, if De Bruyne is back, Foden’s opportunities to prove that he can play number ten during the business end of the season will be limited. It may be that he has to go back to starting on the wing and coming inside as a second number ten alongside De Bruyne.

That was a tactic that worked when Foden or Bernardo tucked inside alongside Alvarez, with Kyle Walker pushing up. It is a tempting proposition to have Foden playing that role alongside De Bruyne, with Bernardo also able to push up and Alvarez another option.

Foden can use his natural instinct to attack from wide with his favourite position and recent lessons learned as a number ten. Simply playing alongside De Bruyne at the top of midfield will surely make him a better player.

This system admittedly relies on Walker, however, and there will be opponents in the latter stages of the Premier League title race and Champions League knockout ties where it is simply not possible for Walker to press forward, leaving Foden out wide.

Foden as number ten

So is there a way for Foden to continue at number ten while still getting the best out of De Bruyne?

Bernardo Silva has been a key part of City’s Club World Cup and Premier League form in December by sticking to the right, and was undroppable there during the treble run-in. As much as he can solidify the midfield by playing deeper, it would be a shame to lose him on the right. He has also helped Foden shine in the last five games by becoming the second number ten when needed.

If Bernardo stayed right, then De Bruyne could act as the second midfielder – and when John Stones is fit, he can help support Rodri allowing De Bruyne space to make runs past Foden and towards Haaland. Foden would have the freedom to play in those pockets where Guardiola wants him to, and we are yet to see his current form marry with the runs and presence of Haaland in attack.

It’s also worth considering that De Bruyne may not be the same player as the one who played with an injured hamstring for weeks to get City over the line last season. Those lung-bursting runs where the ball sticks to his feet, followed by an eye-catching pass or logic-defying shot, could be a thing of the past. That is where Foden can come in.

Foden and Alvarez were onlookers in the two finals last season and the title-defining games against Arsenal. Their form means they deserve a more integral role this season – however that is possible.

It simply isn’t an option to play Haaland, Alvarez, De Bruyne and Foden in their best positions. And in fitting Foden and De Bruyne in the same XI, then Alvarez likely drops out along with Jeremy Doku and the likes of Mateo Kovacic. There is no easy solution.

But Guardiola has a month with no more than four fixtures, plenty of time between each game, and an out-of-form Newcastle as the toughest test. It is time to work on a plan for how he wants to play in 2024, and how to get the best out of his best, most in-form players.