Manchester City is embarking on a new chapter under manager Enzo Maresca, and central to his plans appears to be a revitalised Phil Foden. The 26-year-old midfielder, often hailed as one of England’s brightest talents since Wayne Rooney, is expected to step into a more prominent leadership role after what has been described as a “draining” period under former boss Pep Guardiola.

A fresh start after the Guardiola era

Foden, who made his senior debut for City in November 2017, has already amassed an impressive career, with 372 appearances and 110 goals for the club. His trophy cabinet boasts 20 titles, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League. Despite a prolific 2023-24 campaign where he scored 27 goals, Foden faced periods of uncertainty, even missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Former Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes the managerial change presents a significant opportunity for Foden. Speaking to GOAL, Hamann remarked, “I think for him it’s probably the biggest chance, or one of the biggest chances for the players who were there or stayed there, because it looked like there were always times where he [Pep] kind of fell out of love with them… as good as Pep is, it can be very draining playing for him. When you play for such a long time, sometimes it’s very refreshing and good to hear another voice.”

Maresca’s vision for Foden’s central role

Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant, has already expressed his admiration for Foden, noting a significant shift in his demeanour. “He looks very, very good and people inside the building are saying that, compared to the last one or two years, Phil is a completely different player in terms of mood, in terms of what he is showing in the sessions,” Maresca stated. “This is what we want. Phil is from the academy, from the house, so it is nice for everyone to see him getting better and better.”

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Foden has recently been featuring on the right side of City’s attack, registering two assists in consecutive victories over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. However, Maresca intends to deploy the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year in a more central No.10 role at times, a position where he will compete with Rayan Cherki.

With key figures like Bernardo Silva and Rodri having departed, there’s a clear void in leadership at the Etihad. Foden has already worn the captain’s armband during pre-season, signaling his growing influence. Maresca acknowledged this, stating, “I don’t know if he can be one of the leaders. But for sure, because many players left he has to give one step forward in terms of personality, leadership, and these kind of things.” Having recently signed a new contract, Foden is now primed to become an even more integral figure as City enters its new era.

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