In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, where expectations soar as high as the trophies at stake, former Chelsea star Joe Cole has issued a passionate plea for Manchester City to remain steadfast in their support for Phil Foden. The 25-year-old midfielder, once hailed as a prodigy, has faced a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, prompting scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Speaking on talkSPORT’s Friday Night Live, Cole didn’t mince words, declaring Foden “the best player in the country” when at his peak, urging the reigning champions to nurture their star through his current dip in form.
Foden’s journey with Manchester City has been nothing short of remarkable. Emerging from the club’s academy, he has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s dynasty, contributing to six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. His 2023/24 campaign was a career highlight, with 19 goals and eight assists, earning him widespread acclaim. However, the current season has seen Foden struggle to replicate that magic, with injuries and off-field challenges disrupting his rhythm. Despite a rejuvenated performance at the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, where he appeared “happier” in the City camp, his form has yet to fully ignite. Cole, reflecting on Foden’s potential, stated, “I like Phil Foden in my team. You have to have players on the ball who can keep it and move it, and keep possession. And we’ve never leaned into that as a nation.”
Cole’s comments come at a critical juncture for Manchester City, who have endured an uncharacteristically turbulent period. A six-game winless streak across all competitions, including a dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord after squandering a three-goal lead, has left them vulnerable in the title race. A looming clash against Liverpool at Anfield looms large, with Cole warning that a loss could effectively end City’s hopes of retaining their crown. The absence of key midfielder Rodri has been a significant factor, but Cole believes Foden’s creativity could be the key to turning things around. “He had a difficult season last year. We don’t know the problems he had off the pitch or injuries or what it was, but what you have to do is keep faith with these types of players,” Cole emphasized, highlighting the need for patience with a player of Foden’s caliber.
Foden’s struggles are not unique in the context of England’s footballing landscape, where young talents often face intense pressure to perform consistently. Cole, a former prodigy himself, understands this better than most. Once touted as England’s great hope, he navigated a career marked by brilliance and setbacks, winning three Premier League titles with Chelsea. Drawing parallels, he noted that while Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham may currently overshadow Foden, the City star’s potential remains unmatched. “I think Cole Palmer and Jude are ahead of him at the moment. You may not have said that 18 months ago,” Cole admitted, acknowledging the competitive nature of England’s midfield talent pool.
As Manchester City prepare for their pivotal match against Liverpool, Foden’s role could be decisive. His ability to “keep possession and move it,” as Cole described, aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s possession-based philosophy. The talkSPORT pundit’s faith in Foden is a reminder of the midfielder’s unique skill set—technical finesse, vision, and an ability to unlock defenses. Off the pitch, Foden’s reported happiness at the Club World Cup suggests a mental reset, which could translate into a resurgence on the field.
The broader context of City’s season adds urgency to Cole’s call for patience. With rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal capitalizing on City’s stumbles, Foden’s return to form could be the spark that reignites their campaign. His absence from England’s squad for recent internationals, a decision that sparked debate, only underscores the need for him to rediscover his rhythm at club level. As Cole passionately argued, “When Foden is in top form, he’s the best player in the country.” For Manchester City, keeping faith in their homegrown talent could be the key to reclaiming their dominance, one precise pass at a time.
Leave a Reply