It’s not often you notice a small fluorescent “Player of the Match” trophy gathering dust in the Etihad tunnel.
For weeks it sat there, ignored, unloved, and unnoticed by the constant parade of footballers.
If you’d played some melancholy music, it could have easily starred in a tearful Christmas advert.
These awards are a curious phenomenon — only handed out for televised Premier League matches, leaving some midweek games and Saturday 3pm kick-offs out of luck.
Phil Foden has never understood this.
He collects them at home with almost childlike delight, and last month, when his brace against Leeds United went uncelebrated due to the blackout, he was genuinely bewildered.
Staff couldn’t help but chuckle at his insistence on knowing where his award was.
Foden’s Resurgence and Historic Milestones
The bigger story, however, is Foden himself.
His recent performances have turned heads, particularly his header against Sunderland that nudged him past Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City’s all-time goals list, now standing at 109.
With 18 months left on his current deal, and assuming contract talks go smoothly, Foden could realistically aim to challenge Eric Brook’s 177 and eventually close in on Sergio Aguero’s monumental 260.
Five goals in a week — two against Leeds, two against Fulham, and one against Sunderland — are just the headline.
His influence stretches far beyond statistics, especially as he adapts to a slightly deeper midfield role under Pep Guardiola.
The way he orchestrated City’s play against Everton in October is a perfect example: no assists, but constant control, clever switches of play, and a calm authority that unsettled the opposition.
Tactical Freedom Fuelling Form
Guardiola’s decision to push Foden slightly forward has clearly paid dividends.
His trademark strikes from the edge of the box are flowing again, reminiscent of his big moments in title deciders and at the Bernabeu.
Against Real Madrid, his role was more about occupying space and disrupting Aurelien Tchouameni than finishing chances.
City’s current asymmetric setup suits him perfectly.
Often positioned further right than a traditional central midfielder but more infield than a winger, Foden thrives in these spaces.
It’s a combination of tactical design and individual brilliance that allows him to shine.
Guardiola has noted that while his ball distribution is superb, the key aim remains getting Foden up alongside Erling Haaland — and the results speak for themselves.
Mental Health and a Fresh Perspective
Beyond tactics, there’s a profound change in Foden’s mindset.
Earlier this year, he struggled with mental health challenges that affected his focus and consistency in training.
City offered support through psychological services and tailored interventions, underscoring that mental well-being matters, even in top-flight football.
Saturday’s performance offered a glimpse of this transformation.
Despite feeling unwell, Foden ran as if nothing were wrong — a scenario that would have sidelined him last year.
Guardiola called him “a gift” in full flight, praising the diamond-like quality of his renewed form.
Support System and Personal Stability
Foden’s inner circle has also evolved.
He signed with Jonny Hatt’s Hattrick Management and began individual coaching sessions with Jamie Reynolds over the summer, a move aimed at honing his skills without interrupting City’s regimented training.
Off the pitch, life is stable. He lives near Northwich with his partner Rebecca Cooke and their three children.
Their eldest, Ronnie, has become a social media star in his own right with 4.2 million Instagram followers.
The balance at home has played its part in Foden’s resurgence — small improvements, daily routines, and the gradual lifting of last year’s pressures have combined to create a happier, more confident player.
Guardiola’s Influence and Long-Term Ambition
Credit also belongs to Guardiola. He shields his players when needed, offers guidance, and maintains a paternal relationship with Foden.
“Sometimes he thinks I’m that little boy,” Foden once remarked, and it’s true — Guardiola has known him since 2016, when Txiki Begiristain first identified the youngster’s exceptional talent at the academy.
With a clearer mind and renewed confidence, Foden is embracing leadership roles within the squad.
His journey back to form is as much about mental and emotional clarity as technical skill — a reminder that even at the highest level, footballers are human.
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