Phil Foden’s dramatic revival turns him into a problem for Guardiola

Phil Foden has gone from being overlooked by Pep Guardiola and missing out on the World Cup to becoming one of Manchester City’s leading figures this season.

The England forward underlined his resurgence on Tuesday by scoring a hat-trick and providing the assist for Rayan Cherki in Manchester City’s emphatic 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League. His display played a decisive part in helping the club return to winning ways in Europe’s leading club competition.

“I really enjoyed it,” Foden said after the match.

Spanish newspaper AS highlighted the scale of his transformation in a report headlined “Foden exposes Guardiola”. The 25-year-old operated as a false nine against AEK Athens, a role in which the Manchester-born player appeared particularly comfortable.

“There is still a long way to go before I reach my best level, but I am heading in the right direction, and scoring always helps me,” Foden said.

His performance also earned praise from his manager. Maresca described Foden as one of the best players in England and said he was determined to help him maintain his progress.

“He has not been at his best over the past two or three seasons for different reasons, but I know how good he is and I am trying to help him,” Maresca said. “I am sure he will be a valuable addition for us this season.”

Foden’s return to form has come at a timely moment. There is no natural replacement for Erling Haaland, while Semenyo, one of the options Maresca is considering to cover for the Norway international, will be unavailable for eight weeks.

The forward had already ended a 10-month wait for a goal when he scored against Ipswich Town in his previous appearance. He has now found the net four times in his last two matches.

At the Etihad Stadium, Foden occupies a special place in the affection of Manchester City supporters. He is a local player, a graduate of the club’s youth academy and a lifelong supporter of the club. When he glides across the pitch with the ball close to his left foot, fans regularly salute him as “one of us”.

That status had appeared to fade in recent seasons. Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest players, Foden’s influence diminished and his performances declined. He eventually fell out of Tuchel’s plans for last summer’s World Cup and was left to watch the tournament from home.

Despite that setback, Foden remains optimistic. If he can sustain the level he has shown in his past two matches, his prospects of returning to the England team will improve.

The immediate challenge is to demonstrate that this revival is lasting, rather than simply the product of two outstanding games.