Pep Guardiola's choice for the Premier League's best player has suffered a drastic dip in form this season.
Guardiola himself has endured a tough campaign as Manchester City's dream of winning a record-breaking fifth Premier League title in a row turned into a nightmare when Rodri suffered a serious knee injury.
With Rodri sidelined, some of City's best players from over the years have also produced a string of disappointing performances - Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and John Stones to name a few.
As a result, City are currently in fourth place in the Premier League table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
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Back in March of 2024, Guardiola believed that Foden was the best player in the Premier League.
Speaking after City's 3-1 win over local rivals Manchester United, Guardiola said: "It is the amount of games he is playing. He was always a talented player but now he is more mature and understands more the game, especially defensively.
"He can play middle, right, make moments and cut inside, play in the left, scoring from the left. What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable."
On Foden’s defensive contribution, Guardiola added: "When he scores two goals it gives me more pleasure than the other stuff.
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“We don't negotiate over that, the guy who doesn't do that doesn't stay in the team. He loves football, he lives for football. He is a joy and his work ethic is unbelievable."
In August last year, Foden was named the Professional Footballers' Association men's player of the year award after scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances for the champions.
However, the Englishman has so far failed to produce his best football in the 24/25 campaign.
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Foden has only managed seven goals in two assists so far in the Premier League, having played 22 matches.
City and Foden will be back in action on Saturday evening when they take on Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Football, Phil Foden, Manchester City, Champions League
Marcus Chan