MANCHESTER, England – Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is “back” after the England striker scored twice in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Foden was voted Premier League Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season as City won their fourth successive title. But he suffered a major decline last season along with the majority of his teammates, as Guardiola’s side finished third in the table and lost the FA Cup final.
Dynamic and dangerous, Foden should be part of England’s World Cup squad
But on Wednesday, Foden scored his first brace in the Champions League, taking his tally to 20 goals in the competition. He is the seventh English player to reach this mark, at the age of 25 years and 161 days, and is the second youngest player to reach this mark after Wayne Rooney (24 years and 157 days).
“This season, he is back, yes, this season,” Guardiola said after the win over Dortmund, which pushed City to fourth place in the Champions League table.
“It’s not just Phil, we all suffered (last season).
“When Phil is at this level, when he plays between the lines, in the pockets, it doesn’t matter what happens.
“He is a special player, but we definitely need his goals, and today, we hope, we take the first step to achieve that. It is important to have him back.”
Foden scored 19 goals in the league two years ago, a number that dropped to seven last season. His struggles have led to him being left out of England’s last three squads.
Thomas Tuchel announced his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on Friday, while Foden hopes to regain his squad.
“Tomas is very smart and wise and knows exactly what the national team needs, and I think Thomas knows Phil perfectly,” Guardiola said.
“There is no person in this country, and no one in all parts of the world, who does not know his quality and ability.
“England are very lucky to have a mountain of good players, so in this position, there are a lot, and that’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better and better.
“When we won the Premier League for the fourth time in a row, he was the best player in the Premier League.
“He’s a top-class player. We miss him a lot and now you feel like he’s back.”
Information from ESPN research was used in this report.
