There was a time when Phil Foden was considered the future of both England and Manchester City. He was viewed as the brightest young prospect in the country, with City believing they had their own world-class English superstar capable of taking the club to another level. That potential became reality in the 2023/24 Premier League season, when Foden scored 19 goals and provided eight assists, winning the league's Player of the Season award.
What happened afterwards has been nothing short of shocking. Rather than taking another step forward, Foden suffered a dramatic decline in form and consistency. Over the following seasons, he increasingly looked like a shadow of the player who had dominated the Premier League. His decline became so severe that Thomas Tuchel even left him out of England's 2026 World Cup squad.
Now, however, could we finally be seeing the return of the old Foden?
Even Pep Guardiola Couldn't Bring Foden Back to His Best
Foden's decline was particularly surprising because he continued to receive opportunities under Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City manager repeatedly backed him, but even Guardiola struggled to bring the Englishman back to his previous level. Injuries, inconsistent performances and a lack of confidence appeared to combine into a frustrating period for a player who had once looked destined for superstardom.
Enzo Maresca Could Be Reviving Foden
Maresca has started Foden in both of Manchester City's opening Premier League matches.
His first outing against Bournemouth was hardly spectacular, but his performance against Crystal Palace offered considerably more encouragement. City won 4-1, with Foden registering two assists.
However, the most interesting part for FPL managers was not even the assists.
Anyone who watched the game will remember the two enormous chances Foden had to score. They were the kind of golden opportunities that, at his best, Foden would probably convert nine times out of ten.
On another day, he could easily have finished the Crystal Palace match with two goals and two assists.
That would have given him four goal contributions in a single game, the same number Bruno Fernandes produced against Ipswich in a record-breaking FPL performance this week.
And that is exactly why Foden deserves attention at just £7.0m.
Is Foden Now a Man City FPL Starter?
For the time being, Foden looks close to a lock in Manchester City's attacking lineup, particularly with Jérémy Doku currently injured.
That could be extremely important for FPL managers.
The biggest concern with owning a Manchester City attacker is always rotation. But if Foden continues starting and producing dangerous performances, his position in the team should become increasingly secure.
Confidence can also be hugely important for a player like Foden. Every start, goal or assist can potentially help him rediscover the swagger that made him one of the Premier League's most exciting attackers.
And if he continues receiving the kind of chances he had against Crystal Palace, the ceiling is enormous.
On his best days, Foden is capable of producing two, three or even four goal contributions, particularly when Manchester City are dominating opponents.
Manchester City's Attack Could Get Even Better
There is another reason why Foden's FPL potential could become even more exciting.
Manchester City themselves could improve significantly as their new-look squad develops.
In these opening matches, their midfield has not even been at full strength. Marc Guéhi has been used in a midfield role alongside Elliot Anderson, while major additions such as Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi have just joined the club.
Once those players adapt at City and Maresca settles on his preferred system, City's attacking players could receive even better service.
A Manchester City attack featuring Foden alongside Enzo Fernández could potentially unlock another level of attacking production. If City's overall performances improve, their forwards and attacking midfielders should naturally benefit, and Foden could be one of the biggest winners.
The FPL Rotation Risk
There is, however, an obvious risk.
Foden's current position is not guaranteed forever. Guéhi has looked impressive in the deeper midfield role, and if Maresca decides to retain him there, Enzo Fernández, a player expected to be a regular starter following his record-breaking transfer, could potentially move further forward into an attacking midfield position.
If that happens, Foden could find himself competing for minutes.
That is why now could actually be the best time to take the gamble.
Waiting several weeks might provide more information about Foden's role, but it could also mean missing out if he suddenly explodes in form and becomes a popular FPL pick.
Should You Buy Phil Foden at £7.0m?
Foden is currently owned by only around 5% of FPL managers, making him a genuine differential.
At £7.0m, that makes him an extremely interesting high-risk, high-reward option.
There are two possible outcomes. Foden could fail to rediscover his best form and eventually become another rotation concern. Or, under Maresca, we could finally see the return of the player who scored 19 Premier League goals and won Player of the Season in 2023/24.
For FPL managers who enjoy taking calculated risks, £7.0m Phil Foden is certainly worth considering.
His Crystal Palace performance showed the underlying potential: two assists, two huge missed chances and the possibility of an enormous haul.
The risk is obvious. But so is the reward.
High risk, high reward, and if that is the kind of FPL gamble you love, Foden could be one of the most exciting differentials in the game right now.
