Phil Foden gives verdict on updated role in new-look Manchester City attacking line | OneFootball

Phil Foden has admitted that playing in a different role has made him feel ‘refreshed’ as in a Manchester City side that is clustered with attacking threat.

The Stockport-born star has made an inspiring comeback after a 2024-25 campaign loaded with struggles, finding himself in a deeper, box-to-box role this term as opposed to his usual starting position in attacking midfield. 

It comes at a time where City are heavily armed in the forward positions, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb and Savinho at Pep Guardiola’s disposal when fit. 

The January addition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth has helped strengthen the final third of the pitch – the £65 million man has scored twice and assisted once in his first three games for the north-west club.

Foden’s updated position has been frowned upon in some quarters but the 25-year-old has been relied on heavily by Guardiola, who has used Foden 29 times in all competitions this season; in turn, he has scored 10 and assisted four times. 

In recent conversation with the club’s official channels, Foden feels like his importance in the squad is increasing whilst stating he doesn’t believe he has reached his peak just yet. 

“I feel like I’m influencing games quite a lot and helping the team build up, finding a new role and playing a lot deeper in some games,” the England international said.

“I feel refreshed, my mind feels fresh and I feel like I’m helping the team any way I can. I feel like I’ve got the talent to score and assist in big games.

“The team looks at me sometimes to do something and unlock the defence. That’s the player I want to be. I feel I can still improve and get better as a player.”

Over the last six months, Foden has widely spoken on physical and mental struggles that led him to miss a significant part of the 2024-25 campaign. “Sometimes, there are things in life that are bigger than football,” the forward said in an interview with Mail Sport in 2025.

“I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully next year (in the 2025-26 campaign), I can get my head mentally right and get back to where I left off the season before because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.”

His smile and eye-catching form has since returned, with his talent particularly on show against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League in November, where he scored twice.

There were doubts cast over Foden’s availability in City’s upcoming games on Saturday however, with suggestions that the attacker left Old Trafford with his right hand heavily bandaged after being substituted at half-time.