Phil Foden is determined to put a difficult 2024-25 season behind him and prove any doubters wrong. After a stellar 2023-24 season where he was instrumental in Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title, earning him Premier League Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, and PFA Players' Player of the Year accolades, Foden's form dipped significantly in the subsequent campaign.
The 25-year-old acknowledges that the past season was "not the best," attributing his struggles to a combination of factors, including mental fatigue and a troublesome ankle ligament injury sustained during a Manchester derby in April. These issues not only impacted his club form but also affected his performances for England at Euro 2024, where he felt "mentally fatigued" due to his position in the team.
Foden has spoken candidly about the off-field struggles that contributed to his dip in form. "I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It's one of them, sometimes there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season I've struggled a little bit," he admitted. Adding to his challenges, Foden endured a 19-game goal drought for both club and country, a stark contrast to his previous season's prolificacy. Statistically, Foden's contributions in the Premier League decreased, with 7 goals and 2 assists in 28 appearances, a noticeable drop from his previous year's performance.
However, Foden is optimistic about the future and is already taking steps to return to his best. Following the completion of the 2024-25 season, he took advantage of a much-needed break from football to rest and recuperate. "But I got a little bit of time off, rested. New start, new me. Just looking forward to the season. The hunger inside me is back and I want to prove people wrong," Foden stated. He emphasized the importance of the rest, noting that footballers rarely get significant time off.
The early signs from Manchester City's training sessions in Miami for the FIFA Club World Cup suggest that Foden has benefited from the break. Footage shared by the club shows him looking sharp and enjoying his work, with a crispness to his play and finishing. In City's opening match of the Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia, Foden opened the scoring within the first two minutes and assisted Jeremy Doku's goal from a corner, showcasing his renewed form and determination.
Manchester City will be hoping that Foden's positive progress continues into the 2025-26 season. With new signings joining the team, Foden's return to his best form will be crucial for Pep Guardiola's side. He is entering the prime years of his career, and his disappointing 2024-25 season may serve as a catalyst for him to reach even greater heights. By overcoming his recent challenges and demonstrating his quality on the pitch, Foden is determined to silence his doubters and re-establish himself as a key player for both Manchester City and England.
