Phil Foden’s rise to prominence within Manchester City was meteoric. A product of the club’s renowned academy, the attacking midfielder showcased his prodigious talent from a young age, quickly becoming one of the brightest prospects in English football. Foden’s technical brilliance, intelligence on the ball, and ability to change the course of a game earned him admiration from football pundits, teammates, and fans alike. But 2024 has seen a noticeable shift in Foden’s form, raising the question: what’s behind the decline in his performances?
A Season Full of Promise… and Struggles
Foden entered the 2024/2025 season with high expectations. As Manchester City’s attacking options became even more diverse with the arrivals of new players and the continued brilliance of stars like Erling Haaland, Foden was expected to play a pivotal role in City’s pursuit of another Premier League title. However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan for the 24-year-old.
While Foden started the season brightly with a few eye-catching performances, his form has dipped in recent months. The once-feared dribbler who could unlock any defense has struggled to impose himself in matches, with inconsistent displays becoming a recurring theme. This drop-off in form has sparked speculation about various factors that could be influencing his performances, from tactical adjustments and competition within the squad to personal struggles and injury setbacks.
The Competition and Tactical Changes
One of the most significant factors in Foden’s decline could be the increasing competition for places in Manchester City’s star-studded squad. City manager Pep Guardiola has always rotated his attacking options, but the club’s summer signings have added another layer of depth to an already competitive squad. With players like Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez all competing for starting spots, Foden has found himself in a more challenging position to secure regular first-team football.
Guardiola’s tactical flexibility also plays a part in this. Foden, primarily an attacking midfielder or winger, has often been asked to play in different roles within City’s fluid system. This versatility, while a strength, can also be a hindrance. Constantly switching positions, adapting to different styles, and fulfilling various tactical demands can hinder a player’s natural rhythm. Foden’s struggles to maintain consistency in his role have been noticeable, and this uncertainty may be affecting his confidence.
Injury Woes and Fitness Concerns
Another possible factor in Foden’s dip in form is injury. Over the past season, Foden has dealt with several niggling injuries, including issues with his ankle that kept him sidelined for a significant portion of last year’s campaign. While he is back in action now, injuries, especially those that affect a player’s sharpness and explosiveness, can have lasting effects. His performances might still be feeling the aftershocks of these injuries, with his pace and agility not quite at the levels fans have come to expect.
In addition to physical setbacks, there are concerns about his fitness and conditioning. Despite being incredibly talented, Foden has sometimes been criticized for his inability to maintain peak fitness throughout an entire season. This inconsistency in his physical condition has led to a drop in his performances when compared to his blistering form in previous seasons.
Mental and Emotional Struggles
The mental side of Foden’s game also cannot be overlooked. After breaking into the first team at such a young age, the pressure to perform at the highest level has only increased as expectations around him grew. As the youngest English player to score in a major European final, Foden has already achieved remarkable feats, but the weight of those expectations can sometimes be overwhelming.
Foden’s off-field life has also made headlines in recent months. Reports of his struggles with balancing his private life and professional commitments have surfaced, possibly affecting his mental state. In particular, his relationship with his long-time partner and the birth of his first child might have brought added pressure. While these personal milestones should be celebrated, the responsibility of being a young father while at the peak of a high-pressure career might be affecting his on-field focus.
Moreover, the scrutiny and media attention surrounding his performances can take a toll on any player. With constant comparisons to other top talents in England and Manchester City’s squad, the expectation to always perform at an elite level can be draining. In a world where social media amplifies every mistake, it’s easy to see how such external pressures could contribute to a mental and emotional burden, affecting his performances.
What Does the Future Hold for Foden?
Despite these struggles, it’s important to remember that Phil Foden is still only 24 years old, and his potential remains sky-high. Football is full of ups and downs, and even the most gifted players go through periods of underperformance. Foden’s technical ability, his intelligence on the ball, and his eye for goal remain unquestioned.
The key question, however, is how he responds to the challenges he’s currently facing. Will Guardiola continue to trust him, or will Foden have to fight for his place in a City squad that has no shortage of attacking talent? It’s also crucial for Foden to overcome the mental challenges he’s facing. Whether it’s through regaining his physical sharpness or finding a way to thrive under the weight of expectations, Foden must rediscover the joy and confidence that first made him one of the most exciting young players in world football.
The next few months will be critical in determining whether Foden can regain his best form and return to being a key figure for both Manchester City and the England national team.
Lessons from Past Struggles: Can Foden Bounce Back?
Looking at other players who’ve gone through similar struggles, it’s clear that a period of decline doesn’t have to define a career. Players like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have experienced dips in form before, only to come back stronger and more influential than ever. The key is learning from setbacks and evolving both mentally and physically.
For Foden, the path forward might require a few changes. A focused period of rest and recovery could help him regain the sharpness he’s been lacking. Moreover, a clearer role in Guardiola’s tactical setup might allow him to feel more comfortable and confident. But ultimately, it will come down to his ability to adapt, learn from this challenging period, and use it as a springboard to greater success.
Foden’s journey is still young, and while 2024 has posed challenges, his talent and determination remain undiminished. The football world will be watching closely as he works to find his way back to the levels that once had everyone talking about him as England’s next great star.