Exactly what a Manchester City star may need is on offer this summer | OneFootball

Manchester City do need new leaders to emerge in the Enzo Maresca era. Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake have all left the club this summer. That has created a leadership void of sorts in the City squad. A safe assumption is that Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Rodri (if he stays at City) will form City’s leadership group like last season. However, there is room for other players to step up and become leaders this season. Phil Foden has shared his aim to become a leader for his team. That challenge could be exactly what Foden needs to consistently play at the level he is capable of.

Phil Foden wants to become a leader at Manchester City.

Earlier today Phil Foden faced the media in Seoul ahead of Manchester City’s preseason friendly against the K-League All-Stars which will take place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Foden was asked if he had ambitions to become a leader in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Foden said he has to become a leader and the fact that he is one of the most experienced players in the Manchester City squad means he has to assume a leadership role. Speaking on the topic, Foden said: “I think I have to be really. Obviously I have been in the club for so long, I am one of the last remaining players to have been here for a long time.”

“So I think I have to be this season, one of the leaders, one of the captains or in and around it for sure. I am looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership [on].”

More responsibility could be exactly what is needed for Phil Foden to be the consistent force he can be.

Phil Foden is already an important player for Manchester City. Yes, the past two seasons have been tough for Foden in terms of his form. However, Foden showed during the first half of last season that he remains a key player for his team when he’s at his best. The challenge for Foden for the 2026-27 season is to consistently be in top form.

Perhaps becoming a leader for his team can help Phil Foden on this path. Certain players raise their performance with added responsibility. Listening to Foden speak earlier today, he could well be one of those players. He has an aim in mind and he captained City in their first preseason friendly against Inter Milan. So Foden has already taken up a leadership role during Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia and is currently auditioning for a leadership role.

If Phil Foden’s audition is successful he may have a permanent role in Manchester City’s leadership group for next season. That is a goal of Foden’s which he spoke of today. Assuming a leadership role could be what Foden needs to take his game up another level. That is exactly what Manchester City would want to see and hopefully that is the path that Foden is on this summer.