For as sensational as Erling Haaland was - yet again - as Manchester City extended their unbeaten run to eight across all competitions with a 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday afternoon, it’s another star, playing in a new role, who is sharing just as much of the spotlight.
Haaland’s brace at the Etihad Stadium saw Pep Guardiola’s side storm into a lead they would comfortably hold for the rest of the match, despite Iliman Ndiaye’s best efforts to stem the tide. The Everton attacking midfielder's spellbinding solo runs in the first half had many comparing him to a certain Lionel Messi - high praise indeed.
In the end, though, substance won out over style as the Cityzens climbed back to the top of the Premier League table. And one of their previously out-of-form midfielders, having been asked to take on a new role by Guardiola, is beginning to turn the corner and rediscover his best form that saw him win the 2023/24 Player of the Season award.
Phil Foden Shone in New Role During Man City 2-0 Everton
Phil Foden
Following the departure of creator-in-chief Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli over the summer, City’s hopes of wrestling back domestic superiority from Liverpool now rest squarely on Phil Foden’s shoulders. It will therefore come as a huge relief for supporters to see him excelling at the weekend, after spending much of the past season or so struggling to shoulder the team’s creative burden.
In a deeper midfield role, Foden’s 90-minute display was nothing short of masterful. He completed 94 per cent of his passes, made four key passes, created one big chance, struck the woodwork, and successfully completed all three of his dribble attempts. Everything he touched turned to gold - and even his defensive qualities shone through as he won two tackles and six of his nine ground duels. Reacting to a performance that kept his side ticking from first whistle to last, one X user remarked:
"[Phil] Foden's involvement brilliant in both goals albeit without a 'direct' goal involvement. He has been so impressive this season, making things tick for City in a slightly more subtle way. Deserves huge credit."
A second wrote: "This Foden David Silva impression has been insane today," as a third continued: "This new Phil Foden role is beautiful." Elsewhere, another added: "Foden, I'm saluting this performance. Made both of the goals." A fifth wrote:
"So much changed when Foden moved into that number 8 role."
Guardiola Foden
The resurgence of Foden feels like exactly the tonic Guardiola needed to complete his rebuild, after last season marked only his second without a trophy since taking charge of the Cityzens in 2016 - the other being his debut campaign.
While Rodri and Haaland have continued to perform at their usual high level, the Englishman now looks to be the finishing touch to a remarkable squad spine.