The Premier League season is over and Manchester City, led by the superb performances of their academy graduate and star performer in Phil Foden, won the title. Foden has lit up the season with goals, assists and stepping up to the plate when needed most by Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City team mates. We caught up with John Barnes who detailed his admiration for Foden and explained why he’s a fan of the 23 year old.
Foden has taken responsibility from KDB
The first Manchester City game of the season saw Pep Guardiola’s men take on Vincent Kompany’s newly promoted side. It marked the start of Phil Foden being afforded to become the main man. To make himself the central jewel in Guardiola’s side. A hamstring injury to midfielder Kevin De Bruyne which would keep him out for four months as he tended to the ruptured tendon which needed surgery. In his absence and after his return, Foden capitalised on the opportunity to step up to the plate. Barnes claims the injury to De Bruyne was unfortunate for the Belgian but gave Foden responsibility which he grabbed with both hands.
“City have great players but I suppose with Haaland not scoring as many goals as expected and KDB’s injury issue, Foden has been Man City’s best attacking player.”
“Now he’s been given a run ahead of players such as Grealish and Doku. He’s now one of City’s main players and he’s showing his quality.”
“He’s now got responsibility to be one of the main players and one of the leaders in the team and he’s showing what he can do.”
Foden has scored 27 goals and 11 assists for Manchester City this season and heads into the FA Cup final and Euro 2024 Championship in prime form. Of Foden’s 19 goals, seven gave Manchester City the lead (3 equalisers and 9 when they were already in front). He ranks fourth for successful passes in the final third (677), sixth for chances created from open play with 64 and scored the most goals from outside the box with six. Two more than Eberechi Eze and his team mate Rodri. Barnes doesn’t buy into the idea that Foden has improved as a player but instead highlights the opportunity Pep Guardiola has given the 23 year old this season.
“Foden has always played well for City but when you’re playing with Kevin De Bruyne he’s always going to be the main creative force of any team. So he will shine more than everyone else.”
“When City did the treble he was part of that team and as we’ve seen when De Bruyne doesn’t play he plays more centrally and is allowed to be more creative.”
“He’s always done well for City but it’s going to be hard for him to be the best player at City when they have KDB, Haaland and even Rodri.
“It’s not a question of him doing better this season than last because he’s improved. He’s just had more of an opportunity to showcase his ability.”
