Foden eyes return to top form

The midfielder credits regular playing time and recent goals for rebuilding his confidence after a difficult spell

Photo: REUTERS

LONDON:

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden said he is beginning to rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s standout players, after a recent scoring streak boosted his confidence ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash at RB Leipzig. 
Foden, who won the ⁠Premier League Player of the Season and Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year awards in 2024 after scoring a career-best 27 goals in all competitions, endured a dip in form that ultimately ⁠cost him a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. 
“Hopefully I can get back to that level,” Foden told reporters on Tuesday. 
“I think I’m slightly starting to get back there now with ⁠my recent performances.” 
The 26-year-old scored his ⁠first Premier League goal of the season against Ipswich Town last month after serving a suspension following a red card in the Manchester derby. He followed it up with a hat-trick and an assist in City’s 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens. 
“I had the unfortunate red ⁠card against United. But the break did me good. I think ⁠I came back really fresh-minded and sharp,” he said. 
“Being involved in goals gives you a lot of confidence and when you’re playing regularly as well you kind of just get into a rhythm and a groove.” Asked about his international future, Foden said he had not spoken ⁠to England manager Thomas Tuchel since being left out of the World Cup squad and was concentrating on performing for City. 
“All I try and do really is focus on my own game and hopefully one day the call-up might come back,” he said.