- Pep Guardiola has backed Phil Foden again
- The Man City boss says Foden must attack the box
- Foden showed positive signs against Everton
Phil Foden’s difficult run has not changed Pep Guardiola’s belief in him, but the Manchester City boss knows exactly what he wants to see again.
The England international has struggled for rhythm during the second half of the season after a stronger spell before Christmas.
However, Guardiola saw positive signs from Foden’s late cameo against Everton. The 25-year-old didn’t perform at his best but still attempted a shot.
Regardless, the Catalan manager explained the key attacking trait he does not want Foden to lose, and not to try to be someone else.
Pep Guardiola backs Phil Foden to return
Guardiola was asked about Foden’s form ahead of City’s Premier League clash against Brentford. The City boss made it clear that he has full faith in the 25-year-old.
Regardless, Foden made another appearance against the Bees, managing two shots on target. The England international had an xG of 0.67 and 0.77 at the Etihad.
“I said many times, there’s no doubts about Phil and his impact. He’s a homegrown player from the Academy who’s been massively important in our seasons together,” Guardiola said.
He added, “I wish from the bottom of my heart he can come back and play his best years with us and help to continue the team to be what it deserves to be.”
Guardiola will be further pleased with his movements against the Bees as the Sky Blues ended the game 3-0 at the Etihad.
Guardiola tells Foden to attack the box again
Guardiola has been constantly backing Foden publicly despite the youngster’s drop in form in recent years.
The City boss still believes that Foden can ‘explode’ again for the club like he did when he just arrived on the first team scene.
“We talk about it. Phil, what is your biggest quality as a player? Turn and go and attack the box, don’t lose that. He is not a player to control the game. Your quality is being a machine to attack the ball with a sense of assist and goals,” Guardiola claimed.
Foden’s best season arguably was the 2023/24 campaign. The attacker scored 19 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League that season.
However, he also averaged 6.38 touches in the opposition box per 90 that campaign. This season, Foden has averaged 4.12 touches in the opposition box per 90.
Foden’s drop in edge
With a lower presence in the opposition penalty box, Foden’s goals per 90 have almost halved since the 2023/24 campaign.
While he remains in the top 15.7% of attacking midfielders, his goals per 90 ranking is still off his best mark.
In the 2024/24 season, Foden averaged 0.60 goals per 90, ranking in the top 7.7% of Premier League players in his position.
