19-06-2025
'Fleet-footed' Foden impresses at Club World Cup
Manchester City stepped into a new era at the revamped Fifa Club World Cup - but it was one of their old boys who stole the show in Philadelphia.
Academy star Phil Foden struggled for form and fitness last season, but scored the opener and assisted Jeremy Doku in City's Group G opener.
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"A new season, fresh me," he told Channel 5 afterwards. "Looking forward to the season now.
"[The tournament is] very important, not just for me, but all the players. It is important to get your sharpness now in this big competition.
"Playing for a club like City, there are expectations to perform in every game. I've been used to that pressure. Last season was a bit rough for all of us, but it is about going again this season."
Foden was fleet-footed on the ball, occupying pockets of spaces outside the box and looking to dictate the tempo as a lot of City's play against the north African side went through him.
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At the end of last season, Foden revealed he had been carrying an ankle injury. He also felt it may be better for him to miss out on the competition in the United States in order to fully recover.
However, his opener - the competition's fastest goal so far - had the hallmarks of a player who had regained his confidence, taking a touch and caressing a fine finish into the far corner.
"Happy with the performance and happy with the three points," added Foden. "I stayed alive, and the ball fell to me. I put it away nicely, so I am happy."
Read the full article here
[BBC]
Foden looks refreshed and rejuvenated, finding freedom in 'Philly' and stepping up in the first game of the post-Kevin de Bruyne era.
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Questions will be asked about how City replace the legendary Belgian midfielder, who has signed for Napoli on a free transfer, but Guardiola may have the perfect answer in Foden.
In total, he had 54 touches of the ball against Wydad Casablanca before being substituted on the hour mark for Rodri - and became the first Englishman to score in multiple editions of the Club World Cup.
