Philadelphia - As Manchester City took their first step into a new chapter on the global stage, it was a familiar face that lit up the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. Phil Foden, long hailed as the crown jewel of City’s academy, reminded the world why he's still central to the club’s ambitions.

The 25-year-old England star needed just two minutes to stamp his authority on City’s 2-0 win over Moroccan giants Wydad AC in their Group G opener, scoring the fastest goal of the tournament so far and later setting up a slick assist for teammate Jeremy Doku under the clear Philadelphia skies.

After a turbulent 2023/24 season marked by injuries and inconsistency, Foden appears reenergized — both in body and spirit. “New season, fresh me,” he beamed in his post-match chat with Channel 5. “Last season was rough, but it's about bouncing back now. Playing for City, the pressure never leaves — but I’m used to that.”

And bounce back he did. Floating into pockets outside the box and dictating the rhythm of play, Foden flourished in the role City once relied on Kevin De Bruyne to dominate. With the Belgian maestro now plying his trade at Napoli, Wednesday’s performance may well mark the beginning of a new era — one in which Foden leads from the middle.

Foden, who was named both Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Players’ Player of the Year earlier this year, revealed towards the end of last season that he’d been playing through an ankle injury — and battling mentally as well.

There was talk he might skip the Club World Cup entirely to focus on recovery. But with 54 touches and a goal to his name before being subbed off for Rodri on the hour mark, it’s clear he’s glad he made the trip.

“I stayed alert, the ball came to me, and I finished it well,” Foden added. “Happy with the performance and the points.”

He also made history, becoming the first Englishman to score in multiple editions of the Club World Cup.

City’s new recruits were also on display as Pep Guardiola handed starts to two of his big-money summer signings — Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and French attacker Rayan Cherki — both of whom showed early signs of promise.

Reijnders, who described himself as a “box-to-box number eight” before kickoff, looked right at home in the midfield, offering energy and intelligence in a role City desperately needed to fill after Rodri's knee injury last season.

“You feel and smell it — a really good player,” said Guardiola. “He’s quick, smart, and once he finds his rhythm in the final third, he’ll be top.”

Cherki, just 21, showed glimpses of flair but may need time to find consistency. Guardiola, however, seemed optimistic: “Kevin is impossible to replace, but Rayan has something special around the box.”

One notable absentee from the pitch was full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, another summer arrival, who remained on the bench in what Guardiola described as “tough conditions” for debuts.

City's comfortable victory was slightly marred by the late red card shown to youngster Rico Lewis in the 88th minute. Still, Guardiola praised his side’s overall control and highlighted Foden’s role as a holding midfielder, hinting at a potential evolution in the player’s responsibilities.

With City eager to return to silverware after a rare trophyless season, their performance against Wydad offered the kind of assurance fans had been hoping for. And in Foden, they may have found the heartbeat of their next generation — ready, refreshed, and rising again.


By WafricNews Desk.