Foden Resurgence: Guardiola Optimistic but Consistency Remains Key Question for Manchester City Star.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his satisfaction with Phil Foden’s recent performance, particularly during the 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. However, questions linger about the young English international’s ability to maintain this level of performance consistently.

Foden delivered a standout performance against Dortmund on Thursday, November 6, 2025, scoring two crucial goals that contributed significantly to Manchester City’s dominant win. This victory marked their third in the Champions League group stage and solidified their position as strong contenders in the competition. The brace also elevated Foden to a notable milestone in his career, reaching a total of 20 goals in the Champions League. This achievement places him as only the seventh English player to reach this mark. Furthermore, at 24 years and 157 days old, Foden became the second-youngest Englishman to achieve this feat, following Wayne Rooney, highlighting his precocious talent and potential on the European stage.

These goals served as a powerful reminder of Foden’s importance to the Manchester City squad. However, it is undeniable that his form has fluctuated since being crowned the Premier League’s Player of the Year in the 2023/2024 season. After a stellar season where he netted 19 league goals, his output decreased to just seven goals in the subsequent season. This dip in form also led to Foden’s exclusion from the England national team squad during the last three international breaks, raising concerns about his place in the national team setup.

"He’s back this season," Guardiola stated in an interview with ESPN. "Not just Phil, we all are after a poor performance last season." Guardiola’s words signal a renewed confidence in Foden’s abilities and a belief that he has overcome the challenges that plagued his previous season.

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The Manchester City manager further elaborated on Foden’s versatility and impact on the team. "When Phil is playing at his best, he can play anywhere, the final third, close to the box," Guardiola said. "He is a special player, but of course, we need his goals. Hopefully today is the start for that. It’s so important to see him back."

Guardiola’s comments echo similar sentiments expressed earlier in the season. After Foden scored one goal and provided one assist in Manchester City’s comfortable victory over Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup Third Round on September 25th, Guardiola lauded his performance. However, following that game, Foden experienced another dip in form, failing to register a goal or assist in the next seven matches. He broke this drought with an assist in City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth the previous week, suggesting a potential return to form.

The question now is whether Foden can maintain this resurgence or whether he will once again struggle for consistency. The upcoming match against Liverpool this weekend could provide a crucial indication of his current form and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Manchester City’s season has been a mix of dominant performances and occasional setbacks. They currently sit second in the Premier League table, trailing Arsenal by a single point. Their Champions League campaign has been largely successful, with three wins in four matches, securing their likely progression to the knockout stages. However, they have faced criticism for defensive vulnerabilities and occasional lack of sharpness in front of goal.

Phil Foden’s role in addressing these issues is significant. His ability to score goals, create chances, and contribute defensively makes him a vital asset to the team. However, his consistency remains a key area for improvement. Throughout his career, Foden has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also struggled to maintain a high level of performance consistently over extended periods.

The upcoming match against Liverpool represents a significant test for both Foden and Manchester City. Liverpool, currently third in the Premier League, are known for their high-intensity pressing game and potent attacking threat. A strong performance against Liverpool would not only boost Foden’s confidence but also demonstrate his ability to perform against top-quality opposition.

Looking at Foden’s statistical contributions over the past few seasons provides further context to his current situation. In the 2022/2023 Premier League season, he scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances. While these numbers are respectable, they fall short of the expectations placed on a player of his talent. The following season, 2023/2024, saw a significant improvement, with 19 goals and eight assists in 35 appearances, earning him the Player of the Year award. However, the subsequent season saw a decline, with only seven goals and four assists in 30 appearances.

These fluctuations highlight the need for greater consistency in Foden’s performances. He has the potential to be a world-class player, but he needs to find a way to maintain a high level of performance consistently. This requires not only physical fitness and technical ability but also mental resilience and the ability to handle pressure.

Guardiola’s management of Foden will be crucial in helping him achieve this consistency. Guardiola has a proven track record of developing young players and helping them reach their full potential. His tactical guidance, player management skills, and ability to motivate his players will be essential in helping Foden overcome his challenges and reach his full potential.

Beyond the immediate focus on Foden’s form, his development is also crucial to the long-term success of Manchester City. The club has invested heavily in youth development, and Foden represents the embodiment of that investment. His success would not only benefit the team on the pitch but also serve as an inspiration for other young players in the academy.

In conclusion, while Pep Guardiola is optimistic about Phil Foden’s resurgence, the key question remains whether the young star can maintain this level of performance consistently. The upcoming match against Liverpool will provide a crucial indication of his current form and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Foden’s consistency will be vital not only for his own personal development but also for the long-term success of Manchester City. The club and its fans will be watching closely to see if he can finally fulfill his immense potential.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.