Maresca Sees a Different Phil Foden as Manchester City Star Chases His Best Form Again
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Enzo Maresca believes Phil Foden is already showing signs of becoming a “completely different” player as the Manchester City midfielder looks to rediscover the form that previously made him one of the Premier League's standout performers.
Foden endured a difficult period over the last two seasons, but Maresca is encouraged by what he has seen from the England international during City's preparations for the new campaign.
Maresca impressed by Foden's response
Foden has entered the new season with a clean slate under Maresca, following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade in charge.
The new City boss believes the midfielder is in a much better place and has praised his performances during pre-season.
"“He looks very good.”"
Maresca's assessment comes at an important moment for Foden, who is determined to establish himself as one of the central figures of the new Manchester City era.
A fresh start at Manchester City
Foden's previous two campaigns were a significant contrast to his breakthrough as one of Europe's most exciting attacking players.
He was particularly influential during City's 2023–24 title-winning season, when he collected both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards.
[The Guardian]
Since then, his influence has diminished.
Foden has now committed his long-term future to City with a new four-year contract, underlining the club's belief that he can return to his best.
Maresca's system could unlock Foden
One reason for the optimism is that Foden himself has suggested that Maresca's approach suits his football.
The England international has described City's new style as similar in certain ways to Guardiola's possession-based football while acknowledging that there are tactical differences.
Foden has also been competing with new signing Rayan Cherki for the No.10 position, although Maresca believes the pair are capable of playing together in different roles.
[Esteemed Kompany +1]
That competition could ultimately benefit City.
Rather than having one guaranteed starter, Maresca has two technically gifted attacking midfielders capable of operating between the lines.
City need Foden now more than ever
The timing of Foden's potential revival could hardly be more important.
Manchester City have entered a major transition following Guardiola's departure, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Aké among the experienced players who have left the club.
[The Guardian]
City also suffered a 3–0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, giving Maresca an early reminder of the scale of the rebuilding job ahead.
[The Guardian]
With so much changing around him, Foden's experience and creativity could become increasingly important.
He is no longer simply one of the youngsters developing behind established stars.
At 26, City need him to become one of the players who lead the next generation.
The Bournemouth test awaits
City's Premier League campaign begins against Bournemouth, with Maresca confirming that Foden is in good shape ahead of the opening fixture.
Jeremy Doku is unavailable through injury, while Maresca otherwise has a largely available squad as City prepare for their first league match of the new era.
For Foden, it represents the beginning of another opportunity.
The talent has never disappeared. The challenge is turning Maresca's confidence into consistent performances when the competitive matches begin.
Manchester City have entered a new era — and Maresca clearly believes the best version of Phil Foden can be one of its biggest stories.
Fan Debate
●⚽ GOAL: Can Foden return to his 2023–24 level?
●🔥 FIRE: Should Foden be one of Maresca's first names on the team sheet?
●😲 SHOCK: Could Cherki's arrival actually make Foden better?
●👍 LIKE: Do you trust Maresca to get the best out of Foden?
●💬 COMMENT: How many Premier League goals should Foden target this season?
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