Phil Foden reveals two huge reasons behind poor start to 2024-25 season as reigning PFA Player of the Year seeks to reclaim Man City place

The England international enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign, landing the PFA Player of the Year award on the back of posting a personal-best return of 27 goals across all competitions. He also became the youngest player to win six Premier League titles.

Foden went on to form part of England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, but has started just one top-flight game this term and been restricted to 190 minutes of Premier League action. The 24-year-old has said of finding himself on the fringes of the fold at City: "Last year there were so many games. I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued, which is normal. Rodri came back like that as well, a few players. It's normal how many games we play - you have to burnout at some point. I'm making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best."

Foden made 69 appearances for club and country last season, but is having to prove himself to Pep Guardiola all over again. He is confident that form will come once clear of the issues that have been holding him back. He added: "I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness. A few niggles as well. A few things added together. But if you speak to any player they've all been through it, the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like, I'm delighted I'm back and enjoying my football."

Guardiola included Foden in his starting XI for their Champions League clash with Sparta Prague on Wednesday and was rewarded for that call with the talented forward’s second goal of the season. City will be back in domestic action on Saturday when playing host to struggling Southampton.