Manchester City beat Newcastle United 1-0 on Saturday night with Phil Foden the star of the show

Alan Shearer has insisted Phil Foden must get an extended run in central midfield for Manchester City after his starring performance against Newcastle United.

Foden was fantastic against the Magpies, setting up Julian Alvarez’s winner in a 1-0 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Englishman occupied a central role with Kevin De Bruyne injured.

The Belgian is going to be out until 2024, creating a vacancy in the middle that Foden could fill. Shearer was wowed by his display against Newcastle and is adamant that’s his best position.

“He was absolutely sensational,” Shearer told Match of the Day. “He was the best player on the pitch by a mile.

“He looked so comfy in that position, in the middle of the park, the number 10 position. He is superb at receiving the ball on the half-turn and getting into the little pockets in front of the back four behind the midfield.

“What City do, they make it difficult for you because they commit men forward, particularly their full-backs. It’s difficult for one of Newcastle’s full-backs to get him.

“He plays his part in the goal, it’s a brilliant hit which was decisive. He made it impossible for Newcastle today, his range of passing was excellent.

“With Kevin De Bruyne out for five months, he might get an extended opportunity in that role. He only started 22 Premier League games last year, he didn’t start in the FA Cup or Champions League final.

“I think now is the time for him to say ‘I want to stay in the team, I want to play in that position’. There has been debate about what his best position is.

“I think that’s it. When he gets it on the half-turn and you can pick passes like he does, his performance had everything.”