Manchester City ended up delivering an historic Treble last season – but for Phil Foden, 2022/23 was a little bit stop-start.
The 23-year-old did make 48 appearances across all competitions.
But he played 2660 minutes in total, which averages out at 55 minutes per appearance.
Foden made a bright start to the season, scoring six goals in City’s first 10 Premier League games, including three against Manchester United. He also got three assists in that time.
But then Foden stuttered a little, and either side of the World Cup he didn’t play as much.
Then in April, Foden had surgery to remove his appendix. He ended up missing four games as a result.
For the most part last season, Pep Guardiola was using Foden out wide.
But given the form of Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva – and further competition from Riyad Mahrez – Foden was never really a nailed on starter.
And Ilkay Gundogan once again shone in the middle, as did Kevin De Bruyne.
So 2022/23 was a bit frustrating for Foden – but this term we could see him explode.
Phil Foden could really get back on track for Manchester City in 2023/24
It has been reported that City are looking to bring in a new winger this summer.
Theoretically, this might see Foden move into midfield – something a lot of fans have wanted to see for a while now.
Some reckon Pep Guardiola has brought in Mateo Kovacic to be a rotation option for Foden and De Bruyne in those number eight positions ahead of Rodri and John Stones.
We saw the manager deploy Foden centrally towards the end of the season. And he definitely looked sharp and effective.
And Foden of course, replaced De Bruyne in the Champions League final against Inter, and looked really at home in the middle.
Quite possibly, this could be Foden’s new regular position.
Since he broke through at City he has mainly played out wide. His versatility and technical quality allows him to operate comfortably on either wing.
But we have see him play inside on occasion. And every time he does take up position in the middle he looks so at home.
On the face of it, £225,000-a-week ace Foden seems absolutely perfect to play as an eight.
He is amazing at picking the ball up on the half-turn, spinning away from players and driving forwards. We saw that in the Champions League final when he almost scored a sensational goal in the second-half.
We shall see what Guardiola has up his sleeve. But perhaps him using Foden – who has been branded ‘very smart’ by Kevin De Bruyne – in the way he did in the final weeks of last season was a little glimpse into his thinking for 2023/24.
