Phil Foden was named Premier League Player of the Season last term as Manchester City won a fourth Premier League title in a row – an achievement which had never been done before.
The England international was simply outstanding for Pep Guardiola – scoring 27 goals and providing 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions – including a crucial double against West Ham on the final day to make sure of that historic fourth consecutive title.
However, after a disappointing UEFA EURO 2024 with England, the City Football Academy graduate has returned to the Etihad Stadium as a shadow of himself, only scoring ten goals and assisting a further six in 41 games so far this term.
This downfall led Guardiola to name Phil Foden on the bench for the FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and Rico Lewis, who scored the opener in that clash, has said something which may explain his teammate’s struggles.
Rico Lewis claims injuries to others have impacted his game
The Manchester City No.82 himself has struggled to shine this season, and comments made by him after the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest potentially provide an insight into why Foden has faltered too.
When asked to reflect on the 2024/25 campaign, ESPN quote Lewis as saying: “I think it’s difficult. I think maybe it’s a bit unlucky at certain times of the season where you’re playing in games where you’ve not got everyone on the team. You’ve got some people injured so you can’t play as normal as you would do.
“The whole team is discombobulating and stuff like that. It’s part of football. I said this even when it was going well.”
Pep Guardiola needs a settled starting XI once again from next season
Some might scoff at that assessment from Lewis, who Guardiola praised, given how many superstars Manchester City own, but a settled side – where everyone knows how each other plays – is highly important in football.
Clearly, the England international is arguing that there has been a lack of chemistry between the Manchester City players on the pitch this season, which, if it has affected him, has surely played a part in Foden – who could replace Kevin De Bruyne – struggling to pick up where he left off last term.
