Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Phil Foden’s return to top form after the England forward inspired his side to a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden’s Return: City Star Shines in 4-1 Win Over Dortmund
Foden scored twice to secure his first-ever Champions League brace, taking his tally in the competition to 20 goals.
The 25-year-old became the seventh English player to reach that milestone and the second-youngest after Wayne Rooney. His standout display helped City climb to fourth in the Champions League table.
As reported by ESPN “This season, he’s back,” Guardiola said after the match.
“Not just Phil, all of us struggled last season.
But when Phil is playing at that level — between the lines, in the pockets — it doesn’t matter what happens. He’s a special player, and we need his goals.”
Foden had endured a dip in form last season, scoring just seven league goals after hitting 19 in the 2023–24 campaign, where he was named the Premier League’s best player as City clinched a record fourth consecutive title. His slump also saw him left out of the last three England squads.
However, Wednesday’s performance hinted at a revival. Guardiola believes this could be the first step in Foden’s full resurgence.
“It’s important to have him back,” he said.
“When we won the fourth Premier League in a row, he was the best player in the league. We’ve missed him a lot.”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel will announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on Friday, and Foden is hoping to earn a recall.
Guardiola backed his player, adding, “Thomas knows Phil perfectly. Everyone knows his quality and ability.
England is lucky to have so many talented players, and that’s why Phil has to keep pushing himself to be even better.”
With his confidence restored and Guardiola’s faith renewed, Foden looks ready to reclaim his place among England’s brightest talents.
