It’s actually kinda wild how we still talk about Phil Foden like he’s that "Stockport Iniesta" kid waiting for his big break. Honestly, the guy is 25 now. He's not a prospect; he's the veteran presence in a Manchester City squad that looks drastically different than it did two years ago.
You’ve probably noticed the shift.
The 2023-24 season was his "I’m the man" moment, winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year after thumping in 19 league goals. But then, things got weird. A bit of a "hangover" season followed in 2024-25 where his output dipped, and the whispers started. Was he burnt out? Was Pep Guardiola overthinking his positioning?
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. City is sitting 2nd in the table, chasing down Arsenal, and Foden has basically reinvented himself again. He isn't just a winger who drifts. He's the central engine.
The "De Bruyne Hole" and the Number 8 Evolution
Most people think Foden is at his best when he’s hugging the touchline and then exploding into the box. That’s the old Phil. With Kevin De Bruyne no longer the focal point of every single transition, Pep has moved Foden into what tactical nerds call the "10-and-a-half" role.
It’s deeper. It’s grittier.
In the first half of this 2025-26 campaign, Foden has already matched his goal tally from the entirety of the previous season. He’s sitting on 7 goals in 19 Premier League matches. But look at where he's touching the ball. His heatmap isn't just a red blob on the right wing anymore; it's a massive streak right through the middle of the pitch.
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He’s playing as a genuine number eight in a 4-1-4-1 system.
When Rodri was sidelined, City lost their "safety net." To fix that, Guardiola didn't just buy a new DM—he asked Foden to help with the buildup. He’s averaging over 53 passes per 90 minutes with a completion rate of roughly 84%. He’s resisting the press in his own half before sprinting 40 yards to support Erling Haaland. It’s exhausting just watching him.
Why the 2024 dip was actually a blessing
If you look at the stats from last season, Foden looked "off." Only 7 goals in 28 league appearances. People were worried. But talking to anyone around the Etihad, they’ll tell you he was learning the "boring" side of football.
- Defensive discipline: He’s actually tackling now.
- Tempo control: Knowing when not to dribble.
- Positional patience: Waiting for the half-space to open instead of forcing it.
Honestly, that "bad" season is why he’s so dominant now. He stopped playing like a highlight reel and started playing like a metronome.
The Tuchel Factor: England’s 2026 World Cup Secret
We can't talk about Phil Foden at Man City without mentioning Thomas Tuchel’s England. For years, Gareth Southgate struggled to find "the spot" for him. Is he a winger? Is he a ten? Southgate usually shoved him on the left and hoped for the best.
Tuchel isn't doing that.
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The new England boss has been vocal about seeing Phil as a central creator. In the November internationals against Serbia, we saw a glimpse of the future. Foden wasn't stuck on the flank watching Jude Bellingham have all the fun. He was right there next to him.
He’s finally being treated like the world-class central playmaker he is at club level. He’s creating about 4 shot-creating actions per game for both club and country lately. That’s elite.
The Haaland Connection is different now
Remember when it was just "cross it to the big guy"? That's gone.
Now, Foden is playing much closer to Haaland. He’s operating in those "pockets" behind the Norwegian. Because Foden is more central, defenders have a nightmare choice: do they step up to stop Phil’s long-range shots (he’s already bagged two from outside the box this term) or do they stay deep to stop Haaland’s run?
If they step up, Haaland is gone. If they stay deep, Foden picks the corner.
What the critics get wrong about his "consistency"
You’ll hear pundits say Foden "disappears" in big games. It’s a lazy take.
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Look at the Champions League data from this season. In five matches, he’s already got two goals and an assist. He’s also covering about 12km per match. When City played Real Madrid recently, Foden didn't have the "flashy" moments, but he led the team in successful pressures.
He’s become the player Pep trusts to "keep the ball" when the stadium is screaming. That is the highest compliment Guardiola can give a player.
The "Mancunian Man" transition
There’s a different vibe to him lately. He’s 25. He’s got the tattoos, the family, the 17+ trophies. He’s not the "kid" anymore. When Nico O’Reilly or the other academy grads come into the first team now, they look at Phil.
He’s the blueprint.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you're following City's charge for the title or looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, here is what you actually need to watch for:
- Watch the 60-70 minute mark: Foden has scored three of his last five goals after the 64th minute. His fitness is at a level where he’s punishing tired legs late in games.
- Monitor the "Pre-Assists": Foden is often the one making the pass before the assist now. His value isn't just in the FPL points; it’s in how he breaks the first line of the press.
- The Shooting Volume: He’s taking about 2.4 shots per game. If that number stays high, he’s going to hit 15+ goals easily by May.
Phil Foden hasn't just returned to form; he's evolved into a different species of midfielder. He’s no longer just a luxury creator on the wing. He is the heartbeat of Manchester City's transition from the De Bruyne era into whatever comes next.
If you want to see where the Premier League title will be decided, stop watching the strikers. Start watching the space between the halfway line and the 18-yard box. That’s where Phil is running the show.