Manchester City midfielder attributes form to playing with “a smile on my face”
Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is “back” to his best after the Manchester City midfielder produced a sparkling performance capped by two goals in the 4-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Foden’s first-half strike and a composed finish after the break helped City to their third European win of the campaign, moving them up to fourth in the league table. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki were also on target, while Waldemar Anton’s late goal was little consolation for Dortmund.
The 25-year-old has endured a stop-start spell since being named Premier League player of the season two years ago. He managed just seven league goals last season as City stumbled to third place, but Guardiola said his display against Dortmund was a reminder of his true level.
“This season, he’s back, yeah,” said the City manager. “When Phil is at that level, when he’s playing between the lines, in the pockets, it doesn’t matter what happens.
“He’s a special player, but we need his goals definitely, and today was hopefully the first step.”
Foden’s brace took him to 20 Champions League goals, making him only the seventh Englishman to reach that milestone and the second youngest after Wayne Rooney.
His sharpness and composure were evident throughout, and his performance sparked talk of a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
Asked about Foden’s international prospects, Guardiola was quick to praise his player’s quality.
“Thomas is so smart and wise, and knows exactly what the national team needs,” said Guardiola. “Thomas knows perfectly well how good Phil is. But come on, there’s no person in this country, or anywhere in the world, who doesn’t know his quality and ability.
“England is so lucky to have many good players. That’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better and better, so when he’s called, he can say, ‘OK, I’m going to show how good I am.’”
Foden last featured for England in March, saying before the June international fixtures that he needed to rest physically and mentally. After the game against Dortmund he said he is better now because he is happier.
“I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I’m doing,” said Foden. “Last year was tough, not just for myself but for everyone. There’s a new togetherness this season, and you can tell.
“We’ve added great players to the squad, and that’s brought real hunger. It was about trying to be the team we used to be, and this season, we’re seeing glimpses of that.”
