“We can’t take for granted” – Former Manchester City defender opens up on Phil Foden revival | OneFootball

Manchester City hero Joleon Lescott has opened up on the revival of Phil Foden under Pep Guardiola after a hugely difficult last campaign at the club.

Foden’s resurgence this season has been one of the defining positives of Manchester City’s campaign so far, with the England international rediscovering the form and confidence that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young footballers.

After struggling with injuries, inconsistency and reduced influence last season, the 25-year-old has returned with renewed sharpness and a more senior presence in Pep Guardiola’s evolving squad.

Guardiola’s trust in Foden’s tactical intelligence, positional flexibility and leadership – attributes that have become more prominent as City undergo a phase of transition – remain prevalent, and his enhanced role has coincided with wholesale changes and the manager increasingly tailoring systems to lean into the Stockport-born star’s natural creativity.

Speaking at the release of the new Topps Manchester City Team Set 25/26 collection at the Fanatics Collectibles pop-up store in Manchester, Joleon Lescott has insisted that supporters and those around the club should not take for granted Phil Foden’s exceptional ability.

“When Phil’s smiling, there’s no more exciting player,” said Lescott. “He’s outrageous; we can’t take for granted the level of technique that he shows and that unique ability he has.”

The former Manchester City and England international continued, “That’s what’s changed now, I think Pep’s recognised that you can do things only you can do, so he’ll put you in areas you can do that.”

Joleon Lescott’s comments reflect a wider sentiment among former players and pundits who believe Phil Foden is now entering the prime years of his career. With Pep Guardiola gradually granting him more creative responsibility as an advanced midfielder, drifting winger or central playmaker, many feel the academy graduate could define City’s next era.

Looking ahead, the question now becomes how Guardiola intends to continue shaping the team around Foden’s strengths. With City active across all competitions, Foden’s influence could prove central to their ambitions of reclaiming domestic and European honours.

Should his upward trajectory continue, Phil Foden could be positioned as Manchester City’s long-term attacking leader, particularly with several senior midfielders entering the latter years of their contracts.

And with Pep Guardiola’s future still secure until 2027, the framework is in place for Foden to become the face of Manchester City’s next trophy pursuit – a prospect that Lescott and many supporters believe is already taking shape.