Phil Foden form has become a major talking point at Manchester City after the England international ended his 10-month goal drought, prompting manager Enzo Maresca to pledge his support in helping the midfielder rediscover his best level. Foden netted in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich last weekend before his hat-trick in the Champions League in their 5-1 triumph over AEK Athens on Tuesday.
Two challenging seasons have come and gone, and the 26-year-old has returned to scoring form after picking up a number of individual accolades for his stellar 27-goal campaign last season. Maresca, who succeeded in June, stated that he spoke with Foden several times to reiterate the importance of the player to the club. The Italian explained, “I said so many times, I know Phil from years ago; I know how, for different reasons, it wasn’t good in the last few years.”
He also spoke about the importance of developing individual players, which he said was his job, and his mission to help Foden become one of England’s best players once more. Foden has spoken about mental health issues in the past and has given more context to his current struggles. His recent efforts might prove to be the launching pad for him to return to form, but it will be consistency over the next few weeks that will be the gauge.
Under Maresca, City have made an impressive start, securing their first seven Premier League victories in charge of a new club. The only real problem they faced was a 4-2 defeat to the defending Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the appeal court rulings on whether the club is guilty of over 100 Premier League financial rule violations, the club’s strong form remains. Erling Haaland is likely to return next week as Manchester City head to Aston Villa.
