Going back to basics always sounds like a good idea. Strip it back. Reset, restart. And the premise has never been more applicable than in the case of Phil Foden.
Save for a three-month period at the start of the season, when he flickered and then seemed to reach the levels that saw him named PFA and FWA Player of the Year in 2024, Foden’s past year-and-a-half has produced a concerning and sustained dip in performances.
So the basics. Just return to those. Easy. Yet in a world of immediacy in high-pressure environments, it’s probably not quite as straightforward as that. Purposefully stepping back, concentrating on taking time to get it right – at home and at work, to perfect routines and skills that have come so comfortably for so long – is to surrender ground to those fighting for the same spots with Manchester City and England.
Focusing only on the basics is to admit short-term defeat and a competitor of Foden’s standing simply would not countenance that. Six league titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups: he knows what competing looks like.
In the long comeback to 2024 Foden – the Foden that scored 19 Premier League goals, all from open play, numbers no other midfielder has ever recorded in the modern era and the Foden that carried City to a fourth straight Premier League crown – there has to be some room for looking at the fundamentals of his game and general life while retaining his competitive edge.
That balance is not one effortlessly struck. Foden spoke openly about his mental health last year and speculating on the reasons behind that would be unfair on a private father-of-four who moved his family out of Manchester towards Northwich for quieter surrounds. City have offered him every single bit of help at their disposal – and that disposal is exhaustive.
Phil Foden in action against Everton on Monday night when, despite the midfielder starting on the bench again, there were signs of him returning to his best
What the news of a fresh contract does is bring certainty for somebody who City still want to count on, still want to rely on. It is without doubt a show of faith for someone who has produced for them so many times.
Foden has been rearranging his affairs behind the scenes, moving away from a previous agent last year. He met Rafaela Pimenta in November for an exploratory meeting about what her agency might be able to offer.
In those conversations, Foden made it plain that his only desire was to remain at the Etihad Stadium, with his existing deal expiring in 2027. He wanted everything in order, a cleaner and more defined chain of people around him.
Super-agent Pimenta’s relationship with City is strong after bringing in Erling Haaland four years ago and she has had good dealings with new director of football Hugo Viana, too. The practicalities of the negotiations with the club appeared simple and a four-year contract with the option of another would take Foden to the age of 31.
There have been times when Foden has shown frustration behind the scenes this season – starting only two Premier League matches since mid-January – but he did look somewhat brighter in a 16-minute cameo during the dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday. More purpose and drive, more emphasis on each pass.
That is a miniscule sample size and, while out of Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, the extent of any improvement will not be seen fully until next season. He’s had a five-a-side pitch built at home, where personal trainer, Jamie Reynolds, has been putting on sessions. Jonny Hatt, of Hattrick Management, is overseeing commercial interests and off-pitch aspects of Foden’s life.
The news emerging on Monday morning that an announcement on his future is close provides some clarity moving forward. Now he needs his personal life to settle down, with an extended family packed with big characters. Foden is expected to better devise the right network around him from here and it sounds as if he is happy enough with initial progress.
All of that is wrapped up in the realisation that a footballer's career is short. Amazingly, were he to miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer, there is likely only one more World Cup for him to target.
Foden is still a fan favourite despite losing his place in the Manchester City team
Foden, 25, is close to agreeing a contract extension at City that would keep him at the club until he is 31
There are some who believe a summer off would benefit him, though. That to be removed from the glare might expedite a return to consistency.
Tuchel has said recently that Foden’s performances in training have been very encouraging but that he is suffering from a block when the matches start. A month without that being a consistent topic of talk back home or just sitting on the bench might be beneficial.
Foden, who did ask not to be considered for international selection this time last year, will want to be in America because that is personal pride and competitive spirit kicking in. Tuchel has left it open, with neither Cole Palmer nor Morgan Rogers really convincing at the moment as they vie for the No 10 spot with Jude Bellingham.
It does feel a long time ago that the former ballboy was shifting possession out of his feet and hammering into the far corner of West Ham’s net on the 2024 final day, to bring the curtain down on a glittering season, rubberstamping another title when he became the best this country has to offer.
The new contract and a definitiveness should offer more focus and in committing to the deal, City must be adamant that a return to the Foden everybody knows is still in there cannot be too far away.