- Phil Foden’s role has been questioned
- New contract is reportedly close
- World Cup place now under scrutiny
Phil Foden appears set to commit his long-term future to Manchester City, but questions remain over his immediate role under Pep Guardiola.
The 25-year-old has struggled for regular starts in recent months. The last time Foden made a start in the Premier League was two months ago.
Despite falling down the pecking order, the England international has reached a deal in principle with City to extend his contract.
The new deal will see Foden stay at the Etihad till 2030. This is a major display of faith from both sides; however, the timing adds an interesting angle to the extension.
Phil Foden sent Man City ‘game time’ warning
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Wales international Robert Earnshaw suggested that Foden could face difficulties at the Etihad despite his possible new contract.
Earnshaw also can’t believe the fact that the winger’s World Cup spot is in jeopardy due to his absence on the pitch.
“I think he’s going to have issues with his game time. I also think they [Foden and Cherki] can play together, you know, because when I look at Marmoush sometimes, I look at Cherki, I look at Bernardo Silva,” Robert told Sky Sports.
He added, “Pep Guardiola has built an intelligent footballing team. So the reason they’re there is because they can play together. But most of the time it will be Cherki or Foden, especially right now.”
“Cherki has been an unbelievable signing, probably the signing of the season. And he’s unbelievable. And I cannot believe maybe even one year ago, and where we are right now, Phil Foden might not be in the World Cup because he’s not playing enough.”
Rayan Cherki form creates Foden problem
Rayan Cherki has been one of the best players for Man City in the last few games. The Frenchman’s form remains a point of concern for Foden, who wants to play in the same spot.
Cherki has four goals and 11 assists in 18 Premier League starts this season. He’s also been involved in four goals in the last five games.
Foden, on the other hand, has started 21 Premier League games this season, scoring seven and assisting three times in the league.
The England international hasn’t been a disaster. However, his later performances in the season pushed him down the pecking order.
He has failed to register a goal or assist in his last five appearances, where he played more than 50 minutes. This stat is alarming, and Earnshaw’s worry about a World Cup place for Foden is plausible.
Phil Foden contract does not end Man City debate
Foden’s expected new contract solves one problem, giving him certainty about his future. However, it does not solve the bigger issue around his role.
The Citizens still believe in the attacker, or else they wouldn’t have offered him a new contract. Likewise, he will have to use that faith to prove an argument for the starting XI.
Right now, Guardiola is picking the players who give City the best chance of winning matches. This is because the club can’t afford to lose at this stage of the Premier League.
Despite the drop in form, Guardiola still started Foden against Southampton. However, even in the FA Cup semi-final, the winger only managed three touches in the opposition box and zero big chances created.
City will now play five games in around 15 days, and Foden will probably get a chance again. Likewise, the winger will have to make the contributions that will make him undroppable from the starting XI.
