After a period of lackluster performance, Phil Foden showed glimpses of his former self in the Manchester derby. His resurgence is crucial for both Manchester City and England, as his unique skill set and creative spark are essential for success.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Manchester City last season was the dip in form of Phil Foden. Once hailed as a generational talent, his performances seemed to wane, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. The young midfielder, who had set the world alight with his dazzling displays and crucial goals, appeared to lose his spark. But was it a temporary blip, or a sign of deeper issues?
Foden's journey to stardom began at a young age. His stellar performances for England's Under-17 team, culminating in a World Cup victory in 2017, had fans clamoring for his inclusion in the Manchester City first team. Pep Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach to player development, gradually integrated Foden into the squad, and the youngster repaid his manager's faith with a string of impressive performances. For four seasons, he was a vital cog in City's machine, contributing goals, assists, and a relentless work rate. Then came the sudden drop-off, leaving many wondering what had gone wrong.
His struggles weren't limited to his club form. Foden's performances for England have often been underwhelming, leading to questions about his ability to translate his club form to the international stage. The Euros in 2024 was particularly disappointing, as he failed to make a significant impact on the tournament. Some have attributed this to the distinct style of play at Manchester City, where Foden thrives in a regimented environment with clear instructions and well-defined roles. Removing him from this structure seemed to hinder his ability to adapt and perform at his best.
However, attributing Foden's struggles solely to tactical adjustments would be an oversimplification. Upon returning to City after the Euros, his form failed to improve. While it's common for players who have participated in summer tournaments to start the following season slowly, Foden's struggles persisted. Illnesses and an ankle injury further disrupted his season, preventing him from regaining his rhythm. Despite starting 20 Premier League games and making eight appearances off the bench, he rarely resembled the player who had once been considered one of the league's brightest stars. The goals dried up, the assists became scarce, and the overall impact on games diminished.
Recognizing the importance of Foden to his team's success, Guardiola made it a priority to restore the midfielder to his best. He knew that unlocking Foden's potential would be crucial to City's chances of competing for major honors.
The recent Manchester derby provided a glimmer of hope that Foden was on the path to rediscovering his form. Starting the game for the first time this season, Foden showcased glimpses of his former self, contributing to City's dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester United. While it's important not to overstate the significance of a single performance, the signs were encouraging.
His partnership with Jérémy Doku, a dynamic winger known for his dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders, looked particularly promising. Doku's directness and willingness to run at players complement Foden's tendency to drift inside and create chances with his passing and movement. The opening goal of the game exemplified this burgeoning partnership, as Doku's run and cross found Foden in space, allowing him to guide a header past the United goalkeeper.
Guardiola's post-match comments highlighted the importance of Foden to the team. He emphasized Foden's intelligence, his ability to find space behind the strikers, and his unwavering desire to score goals. Guardiola also acknowledged the challenges Foden had faced in recent times, attributing them to injuries and other factors. However, he expressed optimism that Foden was on the path to rediscovering his best form.
The Manchester derby is particularly significant for Foden, a local lad who grew up supporting City. The pride and passion he feels for his club are evident in his performances, and scoring in such a high-profile game undoubtedly meant a great deal to him.
Looking ahead, Foden will need to maintain his form and consistency if he is to secure a place in England's squad for next year's World Cup. The competition for places in the national team is fierce, but Foden's unique blend of creativity, intelligence, and work rate sets him apart from many of his rivals. If he can recapture the form that made him one of the most exciting young players in the world, he will be a valuable asset for both club and country.
With Kevin De Bruyne's departure, City needs Foden more than ever. While the Manchester derby was just one game, it offered a tantalizing glimpse of what Foden is capable of. As he continues to regain his confidence and sharpness, he could once again become a key figure in City's quest for silverware.
This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email soccerwithjw@theguardian.com, and he’ll answer the best in a future edition.