Phil Foden Reveals How New Role at Manchester City Has Made Him Feel ‘Refreshed’

Phil Foden has opened up about how playing in a different role at Manchester City has made him feel “refreshed,” as the club’s attacking line becomes increasingly crowded with world-class talent.

The Stockport-born midfielder has made a strong comeback after a difficult 2024-25 season, which was marked by physical and mental struggles. This season, he has been deployed in a deeper, box-to-box role, rather than his usual position in the attacking midfield.

Foden’s transition comes at a time when City’s forward options are more impressive than ever. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho all provide Pep Guardiola with numerous attacking options when fit. The squad was further strengthened in January with the arrival of £65 million Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has already scored twice and assisted once in his first three games for the north-west club.

Finding His Feet in a Deeper Role

While some have questioned Foden’s new position, the 25-year-old has become an integral part of Guardiola’s plans this season. The manager has relied on him heavily, using Foden 29 times across all competitions, in which he has scored 10 goals and provided four assists.

In a recent interview with Manchester City’s official channels, Foden admitted that the new role has allowed him to influence games more than ever. “I feel like I’m influencing games quite a lot and helping the team build up, finding a new role and playing a lot deeper in some games,” he explained.

“I feel refreshed, my mind feels fresh and I feel like I’m helping the team any way I can. I feel like I’ve got the talent to score and assist in big games.”

The England international added that he enjoys being looked to by the team to unlock defences. “The team looks at me sometimes to do something and unlock the defence. That’s the player I want to be. I feel I can still improve and get better as a player.”

Overcoming Past Struggles

Foden has been candid about the challenges he faced during the 2024-25 campaign, which caused him to miss a significant part of the season. Speaking to Mail Sport in 2025, he said: “Sometimes, there are things in life that are bigger than football. I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully next year (in the 2025-26 campaign), I can get my head mentally right and get back to where I left off the season before because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.”

Since then, Foden has regained his form and confidence. His performances against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League in November were a clear statement of his talent, as he scored twice to demonstrate his quality on the European stage.

Balancing Fitness and Form

Despite his impressive form, there have been recent concerns over Foden’s fitness. After being substituted at half-time in a game at Old Trafford, he was reportedly seen with his right hand heavily bandaged, sparking doubts about his availability for upcoming matches. However, his overall fitness and mental freshness remain a key boost for Guardiola as City navigate a packed schedule.

A Player Reignited

Phil Foden’s evolution into a deeper, more versatile midfielder is a testament to both his talent and resilience. By embracing a new role within a star-studded Manchester City squad, he has found a renewed sense of purpose while contributing crucially to the team’s attacking play. Guardiola’s faith in the 25-year-old, alongside the competition in attack, could ensure that Foden’s best football is yet to come.

As City push for both domestic and European glory, Foden’s refreshed mindset and adaptability will be vital in a season that demands consistency, creativity, and resilience from one of England’s finest talents.