Beyond the Goals: Three Surprising Ways Phil Foden Has Evolved
After his two-goal game against Dortmund, Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is “back.” However, his recent performances show more than just a return to form. We see a big change in his game. He’s becoming more versatile, tactically mature, and a more complete player than ever.
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1. He’s not playing on the wing—he’s mastering the entire pitch.
Phil Foden’s role has changed a lot in recent seasons. This shows his ability to adapt and be resilient. During Manchester City’s treble-winning season, he primarily operated from the left-hand side. The following 23-24 campaign saw him shift to the right, a move that unlocked the best goal return of his career. Last season was tough. His “minutes were diminished,” and his role became less clear. He played “slightly more inside.” This shows his current form is a solid comeback, not a change.
This season, Foden has been unleashed in a new “roaming role” that showcases a far greater range. His heat map shows a player who roams freely. He isn’t stuck on one side anymore. Instead, he appears in many spots on the pitch. He appears on both sides. He works in the number 10 half-spaces. Sometimes, he even drops back to the halfway line or into his own half. This isn’t a player out of position. It’s a smart tactical move. He uses his intelligence to impact the game in many ways.
2. His most surprising contributions now start in his own half. Phil Foden
For a player known for his attacking skills, it’s surprising to see him become a deep-lying playmaker. He now has more responsibility at the start of City’s attacks. He is getting more involved in the “first phase of buildup.” This phase is when a team works to move the ball from defense to attack through the thirds of the pitch.
Foden is being used “more than ever before” in this phase. This shows a “significant increase” in his role deep on the pitch. Recent matches show this new role. Players drop deep to create passing angles against Bournemouth. They also collect the ball directly from the goalkeeper in the Brentford game. This change shows in his defensive mindset. He wants to prove his overall worth.
“He’s excellent when out of possession. He has a strong hunger and sharpness. Plus, he has a point to prove.””
3. This New Role Makes Him More Dangerous, Not Less.
A potential concern with this deeper role is that it might diminish his goals and assist output. The Dortmund match shows otherwise. He remained “lethal” and often found himself in goal-scoring spots. This new role unexpectedly enhances his attacking threat. It does this by making him much less predictable.
Haaland’s strong presence pulls defenders away. This creates space in the midfield. Foden is now using this space. He drops deep “like a number eight” to find pockets where he can operate. He is no longer just a winger or a number 10 but an “all new… all round” player who is maturing and learning to “adapt in-game.” This newfound versatility has massive implications, particularly for the England national team.
“If he’s playing close to his best and feeling confident, he needs to be in the starting 11. He shouldn’t be in the squad; there has to be a spot for him.”
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Conclusion
Phil Foden’s recent play isn’t about old form. It shows his new tactical smarts and impact on the game. He is changing from a great attacker to one of the best complete midfielders in the world. Could Foden’s new adaptability be the key to England’s success this summer?
