Phil Foden, the gifted young English midfielder for Manchester City, is one of them. His metrics have taken a step back this season, leading to growing concerns from the fanbase and analysts. After all, Foden didn’t make his first City start until late September. Astonishingly, he scored 10 goals — six goals during an amazing three-week run in January. His goal and assist production overall is almost cut in half from last year. In a shocking turn, that average has plummeted all the way down to 0.50 per 90 minutes! The 23-year-old participated in 53 matches in seven different competitions. He clocked an eye-popping 4,276 minutes played this season, the most of his career to date.
After a punishing domestic campaign, he racked up 636 minutes for England at the European Championship last summer. His play during the tournament was under a microscope. He hasn’t scored or assisted for the national team since September 2023. Doubts about the man’s confidence are turning into a conflagration. His volume of dribbles per 90 are down by more than half on last season, and he’s having fewer touches and attempting fewer passes.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Phil Foden’s season has been one of extremes. He ended up scoring a career–high 27 goals for Manchester City. The lack of goals this season is a surprising drop down to his lowest return since joining Pep Guardiola’s side six seasons ago. Even with that said, the influence that Foden adds to the XI is hard to miss. His knack for scoring decisive goals in rapid-fire order proved his impact, capable of changing the game for City, potentially.
Foden’s lack of a regular level of performance has stuck out like a sore thumb.
“He was in the England team before [Bukayo] Saka, he was in the England team before Bellingham. But those two grabbed their chance. There is no way they are getting left out now.” – Gary Neville
This now brings into focus the difficulty in which Phil Foden has in establishing himself as a regular staple of both Manchester City and England’s setup.
Struggles on the International Stage
Foden’s problems have gone even further to the point where they’ve carried over to his international action with England. His versatility to play in a variety of roles all around the formation has only resulted in minimal impact.
“He has played every position for England and he hasn’t done it,” – Jamie Carragher
For these reasons, and for plenty more, Foden ought to develop a more audacious identity on the pitch. In so doing he is able to more closely replicate the impact of his contemporaries, improving on Bellingham and especially Saka.
“I don’t think he has got that arrogance on the pitch for England, like [Jude] Bellingham, and I think that holds him back.” – Jamie Carragher
Therefore, even if this has been a difficult season for Phil Foden, it might be one that sets the stage for his continued progress and improvement. Jamie Carragher pointed out the best chance of Foden’s career at Manchester City. With stars such as Kevin De Bruyne departing the club this summer, Foden has a great opportunity to become a more central figure to the side’s plans.
Opportunities for Growth
This statement underscores the potential for Foden to take on a leadership role and make a significant impact on City’s future successes.
“De Bruyne is leaving in the summer. This is your year to say, ‘The team is struggling, but I’m going to lift it. I’m the man. I’m the guy.’” – Jamie Carragher
This statement underscores the potential for Foden to take on a leadership role and make a significant impact on City’s future successes.
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