Phil Foden is "back" and poised to be a major catalyst for Manchester City's trophy ambitions, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The 25-year-old midfielder showcased his resurgence in City's dominant 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, netting two goals. These were Foden's first European goals of the season, doubling his total goal count across all competitions.
Erling Haaland, as expected, found the net against his former club, while Rayan Cherki added a late fourth goal. Waldemar Anton scored for Dortmund, briefly offering them a glimmer of hope. However, the spotlight firmly remained on Foden and his pair of expertly executed strikes, both low, precisely placed shots into the net.
Foden, a product of City's esteemed academy, faced challenges last season, acknowledging the impact of off-field issues and injuries on his performance. However, signs indicate a return to his peak form, reminiscent of his pivotal role in City's Premier League-winning 2023/24 season.
Guardiola expressed his delight at Foden's return to form, stating, "Phil is back. How many times have we seen Phil score these types of goals?". He emphasized the team's need for Foden's goal-scoring ability, hoping that the Dortmund match marked the beginning of a productive streak. Guardiola highlighted Foden's confidence in executing such goals, praising his ability to place the ball accurately.
The manager also acknowledged the collective struggles of the team last season, emphasizing Foden's importance when playing between the lines, utilizing his first touch and turning ability, and demonstrating his work ethic. Guardiola believes that Foden thrives when happy, requiring minimal additional motivation. He considers Foden a special player and stressed the importance of his goals for the team.
Foden's performance against Borussia Dortmund underscores the accuracy of the statement: When Phil Foden performs, so does Manchester City. His two-goal contribution propelled City to a commanding position in their Champions League group, securing 10 points from their first four games.
Looking ahead, Manchester City faces a significant challenge against Liverpool on Sunday. Guardiola's focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring his team maintains its cohesive play and prevents opponents from gaining momentum, as Borussia Dortmund did in the closing stages of their match.
Notably, Guardiola took the unusual step of training the squad on Wednesday morning, foregoing the typical Tuesday off following their demanding 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday. This decision reflects Guardiola's commitment to fine-tuning his team's rhythm and ensuring they are at their best for the crucial match against Liverpool. He had previously fined himself for an outburst aimed at Foden during a Champions League match, showing Foden's growth and maturity.
With Rodri's hamstring issue still a concern, Guardiola anticipates an even stronger City side upon his return. However, the resurgence of Phil Foden provides a timely boost, injecting creativity and goal-scoring prowess into the team. The question remains whether England manager Thomas Tuchel will recall Foden to the national squad, after having previously left him out.
