Man City
Mick Brown
Mon 24 March 2025 13:27, UK
Phil Foden is struggling with the weight of expectation and demand for him to step up amid a string of underwhelming displays for Man City and England.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old has failed to show he can be the focal point of a side.
Foden has been widely scrutinised for his dip in performances this season off the back of winning last year’s PFA Premier League Player of the Year award.
This comes after Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of the forward after his performance in England’s 2-0 win against Albania, where he was withdrawn after 74 minutes.
While deploying Foden as a touchline winger had led to questions about the manager’s decision, he has also failed to perform when playing for City.
This, Brown explained, has been emphasised by the absence of the likes of Kevin de Bruyne who would usually help to bring him into the games.
Phil Foden 2023-24 Stats 2024-25 Stats*
Appearances (Starts) 53 (40) 38 (28)
Minutes Played 4276 2605
Goals 27 10
Assists 13 6
Phil Foden’s 2023-24 season stats compared to 2024-25 *so far.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Phil Foden struggles analysed after Man City concerns
Brown told Football Insider in November that Man City staff are concerned about Foden as a result of his poor form so far this season.
Now, the former coach who has a wealth of experience working closely with top-level players including over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted questions will be asked of him in the coming weeks.
“*It’s important to remember Man City were firing on all cylinders last season,*” he told Football Insider.
“It’s a lot easier to perform well and impress under those circumstances.
“All of a sudden, the team is struggling and he’s being asked to step up and make a difference.
“He can’t seem to get himself in the game, and when he does it’s like he feels he has to make sure he doesn’t give the ball away.
“He’s lost that spontaneity and freedom to his game to go at somebody or try something special.
“I think that comes with the expectation, people want him to be the game-changer like we’ve seen the likes of De Bruyne do at City but he isn’t showing that.
“And when you’re struggling the way he is, questions are going to be asked.
“It’s the same with England – you see Jude Bellingham really take hold of a game, he demands the ball and is always looking to make things happen, but you’re not seeing Foden do that.
“I don’t think he’s that type of player, but the problem is, we’ve got enough players who can pass the ball, we need him to be effective in the final third.
“Ultimately I think his confidence is low and he doesn’t have those players around him to support him and pick up the slack.
“It’s all of the pressure and weight that comes when people expect you to step up.”
Man City boss Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has endured a frustrating season at Man City. (Credit: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola eyes Adam Wharton amid transfer overhaul
Guardiola has been left frustrated this season after his side’s dramatic dip in form which could see them drop out of the Champions League places.
As a result, he is expected to turn to the transfer market in the summer as he seeks reinforcements amid a potential overhaul of his current options.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 March that Man City have been watching Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as scouts have been at Selhurst Park.
However, Paul Robinson claimed on 23 March that Palace will reject Man City’s advances as they plan to keep hold of the midfielder who is contracted until 2029.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts