It may take one player getting back to his best for Manchester City to rise again | OneFootball

Phil Foden has benefitted from a break of sorts during Manchester City’s recent nine-game unbeaten run. He’s primarily been a substitute for Manchester City throughout their recent revival. His last start came at the beginning of April during City’s nil-all draw with Manchester United. But looking ahead to next season, if Foden can return to his best, it should see Manchester City quickly bounce back from a disappointing 24/25 season.

When Phil Foden is at his best, Manchester City are a more dangerous proposition.

Pep Guardiola’s side is an infinitely better team when Phil Foden is at his best. For proof of this, you only have to look back at the 23/24 season. At times, Foden carried Manchester City. His goals and assists were crucial in City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title triumph. But this season, those goals and assists have been missing as Foden has appeared weary and well below his best.

But what Foden adds to Pep Guardiola’s side besides goals and assists has been missing. So often, Foden makes late runs into the penalty area, and his goal-scoring ability does ease the burden on Erling Haaland. His movement and ability in the final third are also key components to Manchester City’s play. It helps create pockets of space for Foden’s teammates to thrive, and if Foden is in the pockets, there isn’t a better player in England than Foden. That’s what Manchester City have missed this season.

If Foden can get back to his best, City will instantly have more creativity in midfield.

Manchester City are seeking to add more creativity to their midfield this summer. But if Foden returns to his best for next season, they’ll instantly have that. It’s an element they’re lacking, and while they’ll aim to find it in the transfer market this summer, Foden could fill that particular void. Alongside Omar Marmoush, there are options in the City squad to add creativity in the final third. But it will take Foden returning to his best for that to occur.

This season has been a tough one for Phil Foden. But out of adversity the very best players typically rise. That’s what Foden has faced this season for the first time in his career. He may emerge as a better player for what he’s been through this season. If he does then Manchester City could quickly rise again next season.