Manchester City’s star academy graduate Phil Foden is enjoying being the star of the show. The England international has been in a rich vein of form of late and has helped City win their last 5 games in all competitions.
Since being moved into midfield it has brought out the best in Foden. He has been a central figure in the champion’s return to form. During the treble winner 5 game winning streak across the FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League and FA Cup he has contributed 4 goals and two assists (stats courtesy of transfermarkt.com).
But the stats don’t tell the full story. Foden has been Pep Guardiola’s side’s most influential player. He has shown maturity beyond his years and has taken his game to another level. At times earlier this season it appeared that the champions needed a replacement for the departed Ilkay Gundogan. But Foden’s rise has shown they had that replacement amongst their ranks.
It speaks volumes of the rise of City’s academy star that his blistering form has taken the pressure off Kevin De Bruyne as he returns from injury. With Foden running the show Manchester City has been able to take a patient approach with De Bruyne’s recovery. The world champions are now on the verge of enjoying the benefits of both situations. With De Bruyne back and Foden in career-best form, it opens up the possibility of them starting together.
In an interview published on mancity.com Phil Foden said he is relishing taking centre stage for the champions. He said: “I’m loving my football – playing centrally now, I’m enjoying it even more. I always want to help the team with goals and assists as well – hopefully, that continues, and I keep performing.”
The City academy star added that he was loving his new role in Peo Guardiola’s side adding: “I’m enjoying this position I’m playing in now because I’m getting a lot more involved in the game and a lot more touches. Hopefully, I can continue to play there.”
Phil Foden will be hoping to continue his sparkling form when the champions face Newcastle at St. James Park. If Foden can inspire City to another victory it will help heap pressure on the sides above them on the Premier League table.
