Phil Foden, one of Manchester City’s gems and a standout in English football, is experiencing a challenging period that raises concerns among fans and experts alike.

Following an outstanding 2023-2024 season where he scored 19 goals and provided 7 assists, playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title, this season starkly contrasts his previous performances.

His numbers in the Premier League are alarming: nine matches, zero goals, and just one assist—figures far from his usual level.

Although he has shown some flashes of brilliance in the Champions League with three goals in the group stage, his impact in the domestic league is almost non-existent.

Foden didn’t start in the Premier League until the seventh matchday, and so far this season, his influence in playmaking has been limited.

Once hailed by Rodri Hernández as the potential best English player in history, Foden now seems a shadow of the player who led City to glory in previous years.

His decline comes at a particularly critical time for Manchester City, which is facing its worst run of results since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in 2016.

The key question remains: What’s wrong with Phil Foden? Possible explanations include issues with confidence, difficulties adapting to new roles in Guardiola’s system, or even physical and mental fatigue after several high-performing seasons.