Foden Reignites City's Spark in Club World Cup Clash Against Wydad AC
Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a strong 2-0 win over Wydad AC, but the real headline was Phil Foden's dazzling return to form. In a match played under the Philadelphia sun, the 25-year-old England star reminded everyone why he was once the most exciting young talent in the Premier League. After a tough previous season marred by injury and inconsistency, Foden's early goal and assist felt like a clear message: he’s back—and better.
The action started fast. Just one minute and 53 seconds into the game, Foden found himself in the right place at the right time, taking a calm touch and curling the ball beautifully into the far corner. It was the fastest goal of the tournament so far, and it set the tone for a confident, composed City performance. Shortly after, he turned provider, linking up with Jeremy Doku to double the lead before halftime. Foden’s touch, vision, and movement were electric, as he drifted into pockets of space and dictated City’s tempo with ease.
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After a season where City missed out on major silverware and Foden himself admitted to struggling both physically and mentally, this match felt like a reset. “A new season, fresh me,” he told reporters post-match, visibly energized. His renewed sharpness and hunger were evident throughout the game. He moved freely, naturally gravitating toward the left flank, but popping up all over the pitch to keep Wydad’s defense unsettled.
Manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise. Foden, operating in a slightly deeper role than usual, impressed in what Guardiola described as a "holding midfielder" role—though his influence was far more attacking. With Kevin De Bruyne now at Napoli, there's a massive creative gap to fill in this City side, and if this game is anything to go by, Foden might just be the man to do it.
The match wasn't all smooth sailing. City’s Rico Lewis was controversially sent off in the 88th minute following a VAR review for a high boot, a decision that left Guardiola visibly frustrated. But overall, the performance was a convincing start to City’s campaign, with promising debuts from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. Reijnders, in particular, showed impressive range and energy in midfield, hinting that he could become a vital presence alongside or even in place of Rodri, who made a cautious return from injury.
With the victory over Wydad, City now look ahead to their next match against Al Ain in Atlanta. Questions linger about the squad’s rotation and how new signings will integrate—but for now, the spotlight rightly rests on Phil Foden. After a period of doubt and struggle, he’s stepped forward as the potential leader of a new City era.
If this is the beginning of life after De Bruyne, it’s off to a sparkling start.
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