How do you replace the ultimate playmaker of the Premier League? It is a rhetorical question, but a question that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have to tackle this summer with Kevin De Bruyne who leaves the club.
De Bruyne's unparalleled minutes in the Premier League history is remarkable.
Yet his output has fallen noticeably in the past two seasons, with three goals and seven assists this campaign -are the second -striking for Man City, only surpassed by the 2018/19 season when he missed a lot of the campaign, who did not start Premier League match until Boxing Day.
This has probably influenced the decision of senior management to continue planning him. However, replacing one of the Premier League's all time remains a huge challenge.
Can Foden increase the absence of De Bruyne?
Looking back on last season, a potential successor can reveal to adopt the attacking responsibilities of the Belgium -International.
Comparison of De Bruyne's Heatmap of his striking 2019/20 Premier League season, in which he scored 13 goals and gave 20 assists, with Phil Foden's during his PFA player of the season last year reveals striking similarities in their positioning, with both prefer the right wing.
Foden, however, leans more towards goals, never more than eight assists in a Premier League season.
Moreover, their auxiliary styles differ considerably: Foden excels in short, sharp steps, while De Bruyne is celebrated because of his point crosses that often unlock defenses from wider areas.
Is Marmoush the answer?
January signing Omar Marmoush could also come up, after he had delivered nine assists in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.
Even without the wounded Erling Haaland, he mainly operated on the left flank for Man City.
There is speculation around the summer movements for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and RB Leipzigs Xavi Simons, who both prefer links, which suggests that the versatile Marmoush is ready to adjust and take over the role of De Bruyne.
Will the city sign a replacement for De Bruyne?
According to FBreF's scouting function, players who are most similar to De Bruyne, based on various statistics, Paulo Dybala, Heung-Min Son and Cole Palmer.
Wirtz and Foden are respectively seventh and ninth, with Barcelona's Raphinha and Real Betis' Isco also in the top 10.
Whichever direction City chooses to go inside, the conclusion of the season promises to be fascinating, because countless players audition audition for one of the most researched roles of football.