England midfielder say he is “not here to replicate what Kev did”
Phil Foden has dismissed suggestions that he will replace Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City, but insists he’s focused on returning to the form that once earned him Premier League Player of the Year.
Foden won the award in 2023 in City’s historical treble-winning team but has significantly dropped form since.
The 25-year-old admitted his performances haven’t reached the levels expected of him and was keen on rediscovering his best football, but he does not intend to mimic the legacy of De Bruyne, who joined Napoli earlier this summer.
Foden said: “I am not here to replicate what Kev did because we all know how good he was and what he did for the club.
“It is about trying my best, getting to the level where I won Player of the Year, I want to get back to that. You can only train and get back to it, that is what I am trying to do.”
The player also praised De Bruyne’s abilities, saying fans in Italy and Naples were “going to love Kevin”.
“He’s a world-class player and a quiet leader,” Foden said. “He’s helped us win many Premier Leagues with his assists. He’s a complete player, on and off the pitch.”
