Is the reality that Phil Foden’s future isn’t as a permanent midfielder? | OneFootball

Ever since Phil Foden burst onto the scene for Manchester City he always appeared destined to play in midfield. Foden’s talent is such that he appeared to be the heir apparent to David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. There is little doubt that Foden has the technical ability to be such a player. But as the 24/25 season has progressed you do wonder if the reality is that Phil Foden’s future isn’t as a permanent midfielder. It’s something to ponder based on how this season has panned out for Foden and Manchester City.

A look at where Phil Foden has played this season shows that he has played in a variety of roles. As per transfermarkt.com Foden has played in midfield, on the left and right wing and up front on occasion. When you break it down further Foden has started on the right wing 15 times and in midfield on 13 occasions. Working off that analysis it is fair to say that Foden hasn’t had a consistent run at playing in midfield. 13 of his 37 appearances this season have seen him start in a midfield role. Perhaps the question is why is that the case? Maybe Foden isn’t best suited to playing in midfield full-time. Maybe that is the conclusion to draw and that may mean that Phil Foden’s future role may be as a versatile player without a set position.

When Phil Foden is at his best, his ability to score goals and drift into dangerous positions in the opponent’s box stands out. We have seen him do this playing on the right wing. His ability to cut inside from the right onto his left foot is a key part of Foden’s game. He did this to devastating effect last season. In all competitions, Foden scored 27 goals in 53 appearances. A host of those came from Foden drifting centrally from the right. Although, as statistics from transfermarkt.com indicate 13 of those 27 goals came from Foden starting in midfield. That shows that Foden can be a devastating goalscoring midfielder. But he isn’t always utilized in that manner. So what has seen his form drop off this season?

Phil Foden hasn’t been at his best and neither have Manchester City.

This season Phil Foden hasn’t hit the same heights as last season. He entered this season off of the back of a busy summer with England at the European Championships. Foden has also battled injury and illness, especially early on in the 24/25 campaign. No doubt that combination has had an effect on Foden’s performances. Also, Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled this season. With Manchester City’s drop in standards, Foden has suffered as well as a host of his teammates. That is another reason why Foden hasn’t reached the heights in terms of his performance that we have been accustomed to seeing from him, either as a midfielder or out wide on the right.

But if Manchester City are at their best what could Phil Foden’s best role be? That’s the question. Perhaps, frustratingly, Foden may be destined to be a player who can play in a variety of roles rather than as a full-time midfielder. That may be what Phil Foden’s future at Manchester City looks like. It’s not how his future was envisioned but that may be where it is heading.