One Manchester City player made the ideal start to the FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Manchester City began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-nil win over Wydad AC at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. There was a host of positives to come out of City’s win over Wydad AC. One of the major positives was the performance of Phil Foden. The England international was named man-of-the-match and looked like he has put a disappointing 24/25 season behind him.

Phil Foden set the tone for Manchester City against Wydad AC.

It only took two minutes for Phil Foden to make an impact on Manchester City’s Group G opener against Wydad AC. Foden opened the scoring goals after a Savinho shot was saved by Wydad keeper Mehdi Benabid. Foden’s finish was a composed and classy one. It was a touch of class that has long been associated with Phil Foden’s play.

After scoring early, Foden’s confidence grew. He moved around the pitch well and looked like the Phil Foden that everyone associated with Manchester City has grown accustomed to seeing play. There was an energy to his play, he was smooth on the ball, and his passing was on point. He almost scored a second goal when he was set up by Rayan Cherki late in the first half. It was Phil Foden’s quality delivery from a corner that set up Jeremy Doku’s volley at the backpost to make it 2-nil just before halftime. His overall performance against Wydad AC was superb, and it was the perfect beginning to a new season for Foden and his team.

Phil Foden is determined to prove the doubters wrong.

Speaking after Manchester City’s win over Wydad AC, Phil Foden spoke of his desire to prove the doubters wrong. Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance, in an interview relayed by Rob Dawson for ESPN, Foden said: “The hunger inside me is back and I want to prove people wrong. It was a difficult season, I’m not going to lie. It was not the best. I got a little bit of time off, rested. Yeah, new start, new me. I’m just looking forward to the season. I’m happy to get back in with the goals, obviously creating chances as well.”

The FIFA Club World Cup represents the beginning of the 25/26 season for Manchester City. The tournament also represents the beginning of Phil Foden proving the doubters wrong and returning to his best. His performance against Wydad AC was the ideal beginning to the tournament and season for Foden, and he played with a smile on his face once again. That was great to see, as was the quality of his performance at the Lincoln Financial Field, and it could set him up for the new season based on how he played on Wednesday.