Phil Foden has failed to match the high levels of performance he produced for Manchester City last season, resulting in a decrease in game time over the last few months.
The England international notched a total of 39 combined goals and assists in his 53 appearances across all competitions, subsequently claiming the PFA Player of the Year award.
However, this time around, he’s currently only on 15 goal contributions, undoubtedly a contributing factor to the club’s drop in the Premier League, which has seen them struggle in large periods.
Pep Guardiola is tasked with the challenge of helping the 24-year-old return to the levels he’s previously demonstrated at the Etihad over the last couple of years.
He certainly will face more responsibility in the North West next season, especially after the news that emerged out of the squad earlier on this afternoon.
Kevin de Bruyne announces his City departure
It was confirmed earlier today that Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would be departing City at the end of the season when his current contract expires.
The 33-year-old became the club’s record signing back in 2015 after joining in a £54m deal from German side Wolfsburg – with the former Chelsea ace excelling beyond all expectations.
He’s racked up over 400 appearances in his decade as a Citizens player, scoring 106 times and registering 159 assists, cementing himself as one of the best midfielders to ever grace England’s top flight.
De Bruyne has been known for his phenomenal passing ability, but has unfortunately declined over the last couple of months, with injuries plaguing his final couple of seasons in Manchester.
However, his departure leaves Guardiola with the huge task of replacing the talent at the Etihad, something which may appear to be a tricky quest given his time at the club.
The player who could be City’s perfect KDB replacement
Whilst Foden would undoubtedly be the first choice to replace the Belgian in the current first-team squad, his form over the last couple of months could cast doubt over his ability to fill the void.
There’s no denying his quality, as seen by the numbers he produced last season, but he’s been unable to achieve such heights on a consistent basis.
Such form could allow fellow academy graduate James McAtee to stake his claim for a regular starting role – building on the progress he’s made over the last couple of months in 2024/25.
After multiple loan spells at Sheffield United over the last couple of years, Guardiola decided to keep the 22-year-old within his side, handing him frequent opportunities to impress – something which he has taken with both hands.
He’s made 23 appearances to date, scoring six times across all competitions, including two goals in the Premier League during his first year at such a level.
McAtee, who’s been labelled “superb” by one analyst, is yet to start a single league outing this campaign, but given his output and underlying stats produced in 2024/25, he’s more than deserving of a consistent run next season.
Games played
11
Goals & assists
2
Conversion rate
29%
Pass accuracy
86%
Duels won
63%
Goals per game
0.2
Expected goals (xG)
1.37
De Bruyne’s place in the squad could free up the youngster to gain more valuable minutes to continue his upward trajectory, enabling him to showcase his talents further.
Whilst Foden will likely fill the void vacated by the Belgian, Guardiola must give McAtee a fair chance to stake his claim to make the position as his own – potentially saving the Citizens millions of pounds in the process.
The youngster has previously been subject to interest from various sides for his signature over the last couple of months, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy stand firm and keep hold of the star who’s destined for big things in the future.
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