A new Manchester City captain has emerged after victory over Leeds United | OneFootball

Manchester City may now have a new unofficial addition to their leadership group on the pitch after the win over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

In the aftermath of a hard-fought contest, the spotlight fell not only on decisive moments that sealed three points, but also on the growing maturity of Phil Foden, who continues to rise in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Guardiola has long championed Foden’s on-field presence, noting that while the 25-year-old may not be the most vocal figure behind closed doors, he rarely shrinks from responsibility when it matters most.

The Catalan coach has repeatedly praised the midfielder’s willingness to demand the ball, set the tempo, and take accountability in high-pressure moments – qualities that have been visible since his emergence from the club’s Academy set-up.

Asked whether Foden could soon be part of City’s captaincy group, Guardiola did little to downplay the idea, suggesting the path is already open for Foden should he wish to walk it, emphasising that becoming a captain is ultimately earned through behaviour, consistency, and leadership that reveals itself naturally.

Speaking after Manchester City’s late victory over Leeds United, Phil Foden openly discussed his growing feeling that he has taken on somewhat of a leadership role on the pitch among his teammates at the club.

“I’ve become more mature. I think now I’m one of the leaders as well. Maybe not as a captain, but on the pitch. I like to see myself as one of the leaders,” said Foden after the contest.

The England international and the weekend’s match-winner continued, “Obviously, I’ve worked with the manager for one of the longest now so I know what he wants and the standards he sets. I have the hunger inside me.

“I was frustrated after the Newcastle game because I missed a few chances. It was eating me up inside a little bit for the last few days, if I’m honest. I just wanted to put it right. Leeds will give me a lot of confidence. I just want to go again now.”

Phil Foden’s admission, combined with Guardiola’s comments, paints a picture of a player increasingly aware of his status within the squad. As one of the longest-serving members of the current first-team core despite his age, Foden’s experience in big moments gives him a unique platform to guide younger teammates while setting standards for the rest.

Looking ahead, the notion of Foden entering City’s leadership group feels more a matter of timing than possibility. Should Guardiola remain confident in his development and should Foden continue to embrace this self-defined leadership responsibility, a formal role could arrive sooner than expected.

With City potentially entering a transitional phase, having a homegrown star at the heart of leadership planning may also prove invaluable. For now, though, the club will be more than satisfied with his performances on the pitch and the maturity he is demonstrating off it.