said last season<\/a> his struggles were down to off-field issues and carrying an injury, which saw him go on a run of 20 games without scoring.<\/p>\nBut the 25-year-old looks like he is approaching the form that saw him collect the Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards in 2024.<\/p>\n
In five games this season, Foden has scored two goals and provided two further assists, playing a starring role in Wednesday’s win at Accu Stadium.<\/p>\n
Guardiola said: “We have seen already Phil in the last few games against Arsenal, Napoli and [Manchester] United, he was really good. <\/p>\n
“When the team plays better every player makes his potential but it’s not just today.<\/p>\n
“He can play in the pockets perfectly but when he plays a little bit free, he gives you something unique.”<\/p>\n
Though this was League One opposition, Foden looked a class above anyone else on the pitch.<\/p>\n
The goal he scored against the Terriers had the trademarks of a player that was full of confidence, exchanging passes with another debutant in Divine Mukasa and drilling in an unerring finish.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old was playing his fourth games in 11 days and determined to showcase his talents, conducting the play by spraying the ball around to team-mates.<\/p>\n
He showed excellent awareness to lay the ball off for Savinho to smash home the second and secure a passage into the fourth round of the competition, where City will travel to Championship side Swansea.<\/p>\n
“Phil Foden was instrumental in everything Manchester City did,” former England international Sue Smith said on BBC Radio 5 Live.<\/p>\n
“It’s great to see him back and playing at this level. Last season was difficult for him with injuries and other things but when he’s at his best he’s unstoppable.”<\/p>\n
Teammate Rico Lewis told BBC Radio 5 Live that Foden’s happiness is contributing to his success on the pitch.<\/p>\n
“Everyone has seen in previous years how good a player he is,” Lewis said. “The main thing is he has his confidence back and the goals come with that.<\/p>\n
“He just needs to carry on doing what he’s doing, most importantly being happy because when he is happy he’s doing well.”<\/p>\n
City host Burnley on Saturday followed by trips to Monaco and Brentford before the international break and Foden will be hoping to impress further to try and earn a recall into Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up.<\/p>\n
Foden has 45 caps for the Three Lions, with the last of those coming in March against Latvia.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, there was also a return to the team for forgotten England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who was appearing in a City shirt for the first time since 19 December 2023 at the Club World Cup, which Guardiola called a “good moment”.<\/p>\n
Phillips travelled up to Huddersfield from London on Wednesday after becoming a father for the second time to son Ari.<\/p>\n
Both Heskey brothers and Phillips will be eyeing up further minutes when City head to Swansea in the next round.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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