One Manchester City player has finally gotten the opportunity to rest in recent weeks | OneFootball

To say this has been the most difficult season for Phil Foden at Manchester City would be an understatement. The England international hasn’t played to his usual standards this campaign. As Jack Gaughan reported for the Daily Mail in March, there have been reasons for that. Gaughan reported that Foden had suffered from mental fatigue and an unknown physical ailment throughout this season. But of late, Foden has primarily featured off the bench for Manchester City. The opportunity to rest so late in the season may pay dividends for City at the FIFA Club World Cup and next season.

Phil Foden needed a rest at some point and he has recently gotten that to a degree.

It was obvious to see months ago that Phil Foden needed to be rested. The problem was he couldn’t get it. Throughout November to January Pep Guardiola’s side was ravaged by injury and had players in poor form. Foden simply had to play throughout that period. To his credit, he was available and did all he could for his team. Unfortunately, his form and confidence weren’t there. It was clear to see that he needed a break to rest and refresh.

But during Manchester City’s recent nine-game unbeaten run Foden has had that opportunity. He started City’s nil-all draw against Manchester United in April. He missed City’s next match against Crystal Palace due to injury. From there he has been a substitute in City’s recent matches. He has come on late in City’s recent wins over Nottingham Forest and again against Wolves.

In a difficult season, the chance for Phil Foden to rest may be a blessing.

It could be a blessing for Phil Foden to get the rest he has had in recent weeks. Yes, he’s been training and is still a part of Manchester City’s matchday squad. But the chance to only play sparingly may be the best thing for him. Foden has had a busy schedule in recent seasons. Last summer and his participation in the European Championships after a hectic 23/24 season may have been the breaking point for Foden.

At some point, Phil Foden will return to his best. That could be at the FIFA Club World Cup or next season. But it will come. When it does the break he’s had late this season may be looked back upon as a crucial point in his resurgence. That’s the hope anyway but Foden needed a rest. He’s had that and that should be to Manchester City’s benefit in time.