Phil Foden’s form has turned him into one of Manchester City’s most influential players this season. Once seen as a promising academy graduate, Phil Foden at Manchester City is now central to Pep Guardiola’s plans, delivering goals, assists, and the kind of all-action displays that make him undroppable.
Foden scored in against United and registered as assist against Napoli to announce his return to form. With Foden and Jeremy Doku firing, Manchester City are slowly coming back to their best as a team.
After winning the FA Player of the Year award in the 2023/24 season, Foden endured a pretty ordinary season in 2024/25. The Cityzens finished the season trophy-less and Foden’s below-par performance was one of the reasons behind it.
Foden scored 27 goals and had 11 assists in the 2023/24 season, but the numbers dropped to 13 goals and three assists in 2024/25.
Phil Foden’s Form Is Essential for Manchester City
At 25, Foden has already made more than 300 appearances for Manchester City. He is one of the most experienced players in his team and has been playing in the central midfield primarily in recent times.
Phil Foden at Manchester City is no longer just a promising youngster. He has become one of the team’s true leaders on the pitch.
Now that Kevin De Bruyne is not in the team anymore, Foden has emerged as the No. 10 for Pep Guardiola’s team. With a striker as potent as Erling Haaland in front of him, Foden should not be complaining at all. Phil Foden’s form in this new central role could determine how far Manchester City go this season.
The Englishman has the ability to score goals from shots from outside the opposition penalty box and also the capacity to rush into the box to finish with headers or volleys. Because of having a low centre of gravity, Foden can have electric pace when dribbling or surging forward without losing balance.
This versatility means Phil Foden at Manchester City is effective in almost every attacking scenario.
Most importantly, he enjoys being a part of the short passing game that Man City play and can be a vital component in it as well. With Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders behind him in a double-pivot, Foden will not have to worry much about falling back to defend and will be able to focus all his energy on dismantling opposition defences.
In De Bruyne’s absence, the Cityzens will need Foden to provide the creative spark and the x-factor that every team craves.
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A Big Test Ahead for Phil Foden’s Good Form
The Cityzens will take on the Gunners in their next Premier League match on Saturday, September 20. Arsenal vs Manchester City is a crucial match, and the winner might have a great advantage early on in the season.
However, if City are to breach Arsenal’s much-vaunted defence, Foden will have to play well and make his presence felt.
There is the incentive of making it to the English squad for next year’s World Cup as well. Foden has found it difficult to make it to the playing XI for the Three Lions of late, but the chance of impressing Thomas Tuchel will be there for him this season.
With players like Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze there in England’s midfield, the competition is tough for Foden. It now remains to be seen whether he is able to get back to his best for both his club and country in the year to come. English football fans will certainly be hoping that he succeeds in his endeavour.
Ultimately, Phil Foden’s form for Manchester City could be the key to unlocking both his club success and his international ambitions.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 18.09.2025