The toll of the game has caught up to Phil Foden and it’s been obvious to see all season | OneFootball

It has been obvious all season that Phil Foden hasn’t been at his best. He won the PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year award last season alongside a host of other individual awards and played a key role as Manchester City claimed a fourth consecutive Premier League title, won the UEFA Super Cup and took home the FIFA Club World Cup. Foden entered last summer’s European Championships as arguably England’s form player.

But from the European Championships onwards Foden has struggled with his form. Now, a new report indicates why Foden has struggled, and it does appear that the toll of playing so much football has caught up to Manchester City’s Wonder Boy. That’s the cost of such heavy demands being placed on players and Foden has become a prime example of this.

Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Phil Foden has suffered from ‘mental fatigue’ and an unspecified physical condition this season. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that Phil Foden’s Manchester City teammates have been worried about his condition this season. Lastly, Gaughan adds that Foden played more minutes than Rodri last season with the minutes he played for both and club and country.

As the football calendar expands you did wonder what the cost would be for the players. We are now starting to see the toll that is being paid by players such as Phil Foden. Foden has lacked his usual zip and energy and that has been clear to see all season. Jack Gaughan’s report indicates why that has been the case. The England international has carried a heavy physical burden and it looks like it has all caught up to him this season.

Summary.

At some point, Phil Foden needs an extended break from the game. That should help Foden get over the physical and mental struggle he has battled this season. But the problem is when does he get it? But he does desperately need it and the plight that Phil Foden has suffered this season may become common across the game as the schedule players are forced to play forever expands