Manchester City superstar Phil Foden has failed to replicate his performances of last season which saw him win the PFA’s Player of the Year award during the current campaign.
Throughout 2023/24, the Englishman registered an eye-watering 40 goal contributions for the club – 27 goals and 13 assists – as they retained the Premier League title.
He had emerged as arguably one of the most important players under Pep Guardiola, but this season has seen a staggering drop-off in form, for both club and country.
He was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia this month, yet Foden hasn’t scored for his country since a goal against Scotland way back in September 2023.
How Phil Foden performed for England against Albania
Foden was given a start on the right wing by Tuchel in England’s eventual 2-0 win over Albania, but it wasn’t the best display by the City man.
He only managed to deliver one cross into the opposition penalty area during his 74 minutes on the pitch, along with registering zero shots, succeeding with none of his dribble attempts and losing the ball nine times.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane discussed his performance on ITV after the match, saying: “I think he [Foden] might be lacking in confidence and he’s definitely off it, his club form is not great.
“We know he’s got that quality, usually when Foden is at his best you’re going, ‘something’s going to happen’, even when he cuts in he picks a pass out, gets a shot away.
“He done none of that tonight, every time he gets the ball now I don’t expect anything from Foden at the moment.”
This is just another poor display of a campaign full of them. Will he lose his place in the starting XI for England ahead of the clash against Latvia on Monday evening? Only time will tell.
Phil Foden's decline at Man City this season
As mentioned, he enjoyed a spectacular season from an individual perspective last term, but the current campaign hasn’t produced nearly as many contributions in front of goal.
Indeed, at the time of writing, Foden has scored ten goals and registered six assists across all competitions for City.
Perhaps the biggest barometer of how poor he has been this season is comparing him to his peers in the top flight.
According to FBref, Foden fails to rank in the top 50% for progressive carries (2.54), successful take-ons (0.72) and progressive passes received (6.41) per 90 in the top flight when compared with other attacking midfielders.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
Considering he is often best at carrying the ball deep into the final third while taking opposition players on, these statistics are a damning realization of just where he is at right now.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
53
27
13
2022/23
48
15
8
2021/22
45
14
11
2020/21
50
16
10
2019/20
38
8
9
2018/19
26
7
2
2017/18
10
0
1
If he continues in this vein, could his future at Man City even be in doubt? Perhaps not, especially as the majority of the squad have been off it throughout 2024/25, but this malaise cannot continue into next season.
There are several young talents being nurtured at the club who will be looking to battle it out with Foden for a place in the team in the near future.
Divine Mukasa is one who has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt about that.
Man City's perfect academy Foden replacement
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder previously spent some time at West Ham United before making the move to City in 2023.
Since then, he has played 53 times for the U18s, Youth League team and U21s, scoring 16 goals and registering an incredible 31 assists in all competitions.
Analyst Ben Mattinson praised the highly-rated teenager, claiming he is a “serious talent” in February, going on to state that if Mukasa had remained with the Irons, he would have made a senior appearance for them.
Scout Gianni Bellasi was also full of praise on the player from a more technical standpoint, saying: “His off-the-ball movements demonstrate excellent spatial awareness. With refined technique and composure in possession, he remains calm under pressure, shielding the ball effectively and making intelligent decisions in tight spaces.”
Mukasa tends to thrive as a number ten, but due to his impressive skillset, the midfielder can operate either in a slightly deeper role or out on the left wing. This could give Guardiola some food for thought with this versatile nature.
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The teenager has been making waves in the academy for City. He loves scoring, ranking as the sixth-highest scorer in the U18 Premier League this season, but it is in creating chances that Mukasa truly shines.
31 assists from just 53 games below senior level is a truly incredible statistic, regardless of what level it comes at.
Of course, being this prolific at creating opportunities for others will naturally see people make comparisons between him and Kevin De Bruyne.
Yet with Foden struggling to impose himself in the final third this season, might Mukasa have a chance of potentially displacing the Englishman in the not-too-distant future?
He doesn’t turn 18 until August, meaning there is still plenty of development for the youngster to do over the coming years. Considering City won’t win the league title this term, a few minutes here and there as the campaign comes to a close could be the best thing for the former West Ham sensation.
Four goals in ten England U17 internationals saw the teenager make the move up to U18 level recently. All four of these appearances have come during friendly games, but if he keeps shining for his club between now and the end of the season, don’t be surprised if the youngster is given a chance in competitive matches.
Guardiola has a wonderful talent in his hands with Mukasa. If he can aid his development by introducing him slowly to the senior side, he could become a star.
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