Enzo Maresca believes Phil Foden can step up on and off the pitch this season as Manchester City’s new era takes shape.
The Blues have seen a significant player turnover this summer with key players such as Rodri and Bernardo Silva departing and a host of fringe players also leaving. Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi have arrived and City are expected to add further between now and Tuesday’s deadline.
Foden is the longest-serving player at the Etihad but has struggled for his best form since spearheading City to the title in 2024, the year he was named Premier League player of the year.
The 26-year-old was used on the right flank in the opening day win over Bournemouth with Jeremy Doku out injured but Maresca feels Foden’s best position is in the No.10 role where he will vie with Rayan Cherki to be first choice.
And while Foden had bright moments against the Cherries, he couldn’t stamp his authority on the contest but Maresca felt there were positive signs and believes there is more to come from a player who he hopes will grow into a leader at City this season.
‘I’m quite happy for Phil’s game, the last game against Bournemouth, to be honest,” said Maresca. “Also, he played winger. Second half he was a little bit more inside the pitch. That is the position that we know is the best position for him.
“But again, in this moment, with the Jeremy injury, we are trying to find solutions. I’m happy with the feeling, the way it was the other day, knowing for sure that he is going, he can give much more. But no doubt that is going to be, again, the Phil that we all know and we all want.”
Foden signed a four-year contract at City last month and has a close bond with Maresca, who phoned him after Thomas Tuchel left the midfielder out of his England World Cup squad.
The City boss has taken counsel from staff members at the Etihad on how Foden looks ‘completely different’ in terms of mood and what he is showing in training, and Maresca feels the signs are good for the campaign.
“I don’t know if he can be one of the leaders,” Maresca added ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace on Friday night. “But for sure, because many players left he has to give one step forward in terms of personality, leadership, and these kind of things. But again, since day one I’m very happy, very pleased, with the way he’s working, and also in the way he’s with, you know, his mood – happy, he’s good.”
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