Phil Foden started 22 Premier PINC League matches for Manchester City last season. He also featured in eight Champions League matches as Pep Guardiola’s team achieved an historic Treble. On the basis of statistics alone, Foden played an important role for City over the course of the 2022/23 campaign. The reality, however, was something different.

While the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan provided the central pillars for Manchester City’s success, Foden was something of a peripheral figure. At no point did it truly feel like the England international was part of Guardiola’s core group at the Etihad Stadium. He played in a lot of matches because City played a lot of matches.

Indeed, Foden started June’s Champions League final on the bench. It was the same story in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. Whenever Manchester City had to field their strongest lineup, Foden was pushed to the side. This season, though, the situation could be rather different for the 23-year-old.

Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona has opened up a place in City’s midfield. The German was key to the way Guardiola integrated Haaland last season, using Gundogan to push up high next to the Norwegian striker to ensure he was never isolated in matches. De Bruyne did something similar as City played with two number 10s.

De Bruyne’s injury means Guardiola will have to find a solution to a growing midfield problem and Foden could be it. The 23-year-old is inherently creative and carries a goal threat in and around the opposition penalty area. He could be more forceful in his ball carrying, but this season could give him the opportunity to improve in that regard.

Foden has long been spoken about as a future key figure for Manchester City. He has a lot of top level experience for someone still relatively young, but the time is right for the 23-year-old to take the next step in his career. He must now put into action all that he has learned working under Guardiola.

There are other options Guardiola could turn to. Julian Alvarez has been playing in behind Haaland so far this season with the Argentine attacker extremely versatile in the number of roles he can perform. It’s possible City could still move into the transfer market to find a new midfielder with Jeremy Doku the latest to be linked.

While Manchester City are the dominant force in English and European soccer, they are facing a number of challenges this season. Gundogan’s exit and De Bruyne’s injury are two of those challenges, but in Foden they have a player who could offer a solution.