Before Manchester City’s win over Everton even kicked off, there was already a buzz of leadership and intensity coming from someone not even in the starting XI — Rodri.
Just a week earlier, he’d been hopping up and down the touchline at Brentford, barking tactical orders like an assistant coach despite tweaking his hamstring an hour before.
The scene perfectly summed up what he’s become for City — not just a midfield engine, but a leader who rallies his teammates even when he’s not playing.
Fast forward two weeks, and there he was again — denim jacket and all — back in the tunnel at the Etihad, motivating his teammates during a tense goalless half-time against Everton.
Guardiola’s Pep Talk and the Plan to Unlock Everton
While Rodri was working the room, Pep Guardiola stepped in, calling over Phil Foden and young Nico O’Reilly.
The manager’s trademark animated hand gestures followed, as he explained a plan to exploit Everton’s left side — particularly through Iliman Ndiaye, who, for all his flair, wasn’t offering much protection to full-back Jake O’Brien.
And just as Guardiola predicted, it didn’t take long for that area to crack open.
Thirteen minutes after the restart, O’Reilly delivered a perfect cross from the left, teed up by Foden’s clever movement, and Erling Haaland powered in a thunderous header — his 23rd goal of the season.
But interestingly, when the ball hit the net, most of the City players ran toward O’Reilly, not Haaland.
Foden Pulling the Strings in the Shadows
It wasn’t long before Haaland struck again, this time sweeping home Savinho’s cutback after another crossfield switch started by — you guessed it — Foden.
The 25-year-old may not have his name plastered all over the score sheet, but his influence was everywhere.
He’s the player making the clever passes, finding spaces, and setting the tempo — the “pre-assist” guy who makes everything happen before the highlight reel kicks in.
Even though his Premier League stats show just one assist, that hardly tells the story.
The Revival of Phil Foden
After a tough 12 months, Foden is playing like a man reborn.
His confidence, creativity, and maturity are all shining through again — just in time for England’s World Cup preparations next summer in North America.
Still, not everyone seems to notice. There were even a few raised eyebrows when England boss Thomas Tuchel left him out of the October internationals, citing “consistency” in selection.
But that excuse won’t fly much longer. If Foden’s left out again in November, it’s no longer a tactical decision — it’s a mistake.
Simply put, England needs its best talents, and from a technical standpoint, few players in the world can match what Foden brings.
Guardiola’s Praise for His “Good Wine”
Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his admiration after the match. “He’s more mature now,” the City boss said.
“His energy in training is fantastic, he’s smiling, and he’s always creating something. Phil’s like a good wine — he’ll only get better with time.”
And he wasn’t the only one noticing. Everton manager David Moyes admitted that while Iliman Ndiaye had been the standout player before halftime, Foden completely took over the game afterward.
“That’s textbook City,” Moyes said, nodding to the way Foden orchestrated the opener.
Overcoming Challenges and Leading Again
Foden’s resurgence didn’t happen overnight. It started quietly back in the Manchester derby in September and has grown stronger each week.
With players like Rayan Cherki returning from injury, the competition for places is heating up — but instead of shrinking, Foden is thriving.
Guardiola has also spoken openly about Foden’s honesty in discussing his mental health struggles last season, calling 2024–25 “the first real blip of his career.”
Now, the 25-year-old looks focused, grounded, and ready to shoulder more responsibility — something his manager desperately needs, especially with the team’s wingers struggling for goals.
A Return to Simplicity — and the Common Sense of Football
Guardiola, as philosophical as ever, summed it up best. “He’s a talented player for goals and assists,” he said.
“Get him close to the box — that’s just common sense. Don’t explain any other theories to me.”
In other words, the data might tell one story, but Pep’s instincts — and Foden’s performances — are proving another.
What’s Next for City and Foden
Manchester City’s machine keeps rolling, with Foden back at the heart of it — not just as a creative spark but as a symbol of the team’s evolving spirit.
With Rodri shouting from the sidelines, Haaland smashing in goals, and Pep refining the details, Foden’s quiet brilliance might just be what keeps City’s dominance alive this season.
And if England is paying attention, it’s time to make sure he’s part of the summer plans — because Phil Foden, right now, looks ready to take center stage again.
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