Phil Foden's timely return

In the early morning of September 25, coach Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden's excellence in Man City's 2-0 victory over Huddersfield in the third round of the English League Cup.

Foden is reborn at number 10 in Man City's squad - Photo: REUTERS

Last season, Phil Foden had physical problems, along with injuries and poor form, causing the player born in 2000 to lose his official position in Man City's squad.

When the 2025-2026 season began, the arrival of new signing Cherki (who was given the number 10 shirt) and the excellence of Marmoush put Foden’s chances of starting a major question mark. However, injuries to both opened the door for the number 47.

In the past 11 days, Foden has started 4 consecutive matches, directly leaving his mark with 2 goals and 2 assists, recreating the image that helped him win the title of Best Player of the Premier League season 2023-2024.

After the victory over Huddersfield, coach Pep Guardiola frankly shared the secret to helping his student shine:

“We can see Phil Foden in the last few games, when the team plays better, all the players around him give him space to develop his qualities. Phil Foden played very well, not only today but also against Man United and Napoli.”

The Man City manager also confirmed the best position for Foden: “It is clear that Phil Foden prefers to play as a number 10, closer to the box. When he is closer to the box and has a bit more freedom, Phil Foden creates unique plays that only he can do.”

Foden (right) opens the scoring with his strong foot in the match between Man City and Huddersfield - Photo: REUTERS

Obviously in the matches listed by coach Pep Guardiola, Foden was placed in the number 10 position and immediately shone to help the blue team win after a series of alarming performances before.

Against Man United, the 25-year-old appeared at the right time, breaking into the penalty area while Jeremie Doku was breaking through, then passed to Foden to score the opening goal.

Then, against Napoli in the Champions League, Foden received the ball between the opposing defense lines. And with just two touches, the Englishman put the ball right in the path of Erling Haaland, thereby helping him to make a classy assist.

And in the early morning of September 25 against Huddersfield, Foden scored himself with a neat one-two with his teammate and finished with his strong foot to open the scoring. He then finished off his impressive performance with an assist for Savinho to seal a 2-0 win for Man City.

With Foden playing as a No. 10, he is the perfect complement to Man City’s rhythmic play at the start of the 2025-2026 season, a far cry from his lack of form last season when the team was playing below par.

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TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/su-tro-lai-dung-luc-cua-phil-foden-20250925124406444.htm