It isn’t a stretch to say that Phil Foden has been well below his best so far this season. Like so many of his teammates, Foden has appeared to be struggling with a heavy workload and fitness issues this season. After a dominant 23/24 campaign Manchester City’s wonder boy is yet to reach the same heights this season. But Foden generally rises to the occasion against Manchester United. Sunday’s derby may be the stage Foden needs to come to life this season.
James Ducker has detailed for the Telegraph why City’s Boy Wonder has struggled to reach the heights this season that he did during the 23/24 campaign. Ducker’s report indicates that illness, injuries and off-field issues have affected Foden’s performances this season. Ducker also reports that the lack of a pre-season hasn’t helped the England international’s cause this season.
Ducker’s report shows why Foden has so far failed to reach the same heights as he did a season ago. Each reason listed in the report is a valid one as to why Foden has struggled at times this campaign. But he isn’t alone on that front as a host of City players have had a tough time so far this season. But Sunday’s clash with Manchester United could be the ideal setting for Phil Foden to come to life.
The England international generally thrives against City’s arch-rivals. Given that Phil Foden is a local lad the derby does mean that little bit more to the England international. Last season, in his team’s crucial 3-1 win over Manchester United late in the season, Foden was the deciding factor in a crucial win for Pep Guardiola’s side with his brace. So we have seen him thrive on the stage Sunday’s match provides before. If he can do so again at the Etihad he could prove to be the decisive factor in Sunday’s fixture.
The positive for Manchester City is that Phil Foden returned to training earlier this week. Although he didn’t feature against Juventus on Wednesday evening he has overcome the bout of bronchitis that ruled him out of City’s matches against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. Provided that he is fit to start at the Etihad on Sunday Foden may have a crucial role to play in this weekend’s Manchester derby. Based on his track record in the fixture it could be the perfect stage for Phil Foden to kickstart his season.
