One of the Premier League’s most surprising developments this season has unquestionable been Phil Foden’s massive decline in form.
During the 2023/2024 campaign, the Manchester City midfielder was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award winner but more importantly, he was arguably his side’s most important player as they won the title.
But this season, Phil Foden has been worryingly poor and despite a promising start to the year, he is yet to well and truly redeem himself.
Rio Ferdinand acknowledged Foden’s been out of form but he has come under far harsher stick over the course of the season.
Tony Cascarino described Foden as “unrecognisable” this campaign as well. Being the top player he is, the Englishman must be frustrated at all the attention coming his way for the wrong reasons.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
A physical issue has hampered Phil Foden’s form all season
After having shown the world that he is capable of becoming Manchester City’s main man last season, Foden will primarily be gutted that he has been unable to do so this season.
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Off the back of a difficult time during Euro 2024, the 24-year-old may have been more determined than ever to silence every doubter of his.
The Stockport-born technician’s struggles began from the start of the season, with Foden starting three games by October.
But the Daily Mail have revealed that a “physical problem” has plagued Foden for much of the ongoing term, having already confirmed he has suffered a degree of “mental fatigue” and his brain fogging during training sessions. The six-time Premier League winner is yet to confirm either issues, however.
PHIL FODEN STATS THIS SEASON
STARTS 28
GOALS 10
ASSISTS 6
The report mentions that Manchester City’s players have been “worried” about Foden as well, who is believed to read the criticism that comes his way on social media. As the Three Lions line up against Latvia on Monday, while Darren Bent stated Foden shouldn’t start for England, it will be interesting to see whether Thomas Tuchel sticks him on the right flank once again.
Phil Foden should take inspiration from one Man City star’s comeback
At this point of time, the decorated attacker will perhaps feel that the world is against him.
While the City superstar has been far from good enough this season, he still has plenty of years left to further cement his status as one of the best players in the world.
In John Stones, Foden has had a teammate who had his fair shares of lows.
One of Stones’ biggest issues were his constant injuries.
But the former Everton centre-back bounced back, particularly in the 2020/2021 season and became a figurehead for Manchester City and England, which Foden is well capable of doing as well.