Foden’s Fresh Start: Can Man City’s Forgotten Star Rediscover His Best Under Maresca?

Phil Foden hasn't scored in 31 appearances. Let that sink in for a second.

This is the same player who bagged 19 Premier League goals just two seasons ago, scooped the PFA Player of the Year award and looked like the best footballer on the planet for about twelve months. Now he's heading into a new season trying to prove he belongs at Man City, let alone at the top of the game.

The story here isn't just about form. It's about whether Foden can genuinely reset, and whether the bookmakers have already priced that in.

Thirty-One Games Without a Goal Tells a Story

Foden's drought isn't a blip. Thirty-one appearances across club and country without a single goal is a serious slump for a player of his quality. Last season he managed 10 goals, which sounds decent until you consider his previous output and the expectation that comes with being Man City's creative talisman.

Off-field issues and an ankle injury clouded his campaign, and being left out of England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel only added to a difficult period. Watching your international teammates line up for the national anthem while you're sat at home is the kind of thing that eats at a footballer.

The good news is that Foden himself says he's 'fully fit' heading into pre-season. The new contract, which runs until 2030, gives him stability and security. Whether that translates into goals and assists is the real question.

What Maresca Changes and Why It Matters for Betting

Enzo Maresca isn't a complete unknown to Foden. The pair have history from Maresca's time working within the City setup, and that existing relationship could be the difference in how quickly Foden finds his rhythm under a new system.

Maresca has been clear that Foden is 'very important' to his plans and has spoken about helping him become 'the Phil we all want.' That kind of personal investment from a manager in a player's happiness and confidence can unlock real performances.

For Man City bettors, this matters. If Foden rediscovers even 70 percent of his 2023-24 form, the team becomes significantly more dangerous in attack. City already have an elite squad despite losing Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones. A rejuvenated Foden adds another level.

Foden's anytime scorer odds across the Premier League season will likely be generous given his recent drought. His top goalscorer market price at Man City might also offer value if the market is slow to trust his revival. These are the angles worth watching when the odds drop ahead of the new campaign.

Can Man City Win the Title Without Guardiola?

Foden believes Man City 'can win everything' next season. He's not wrong to be optimistic, but losing Pep Guardiola is genuinely significant. No manager in the sport has had a bigger influence on how a team plays, and replacing that with someone who has never managed at this level before is a real leap of faith.

Maresca did impressive work at Leicester in the Championship but this is a completely different challenge. The first test comes in Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, a low-stakes match that will tell us very little, but it starts the clock on how this new Man City takes shape.

The Premier League title market will likely have Arsenal, Liverpool and potentially Chelsea ahead of City right now. That might represent decent each-way value on Man City if you believe Maresca adapts quickly and Foden bounces back.

Our Call

We think Foden returns to something close to his best this season. The combination of full fitness, a new contract, a manager who knows him personally and the motivation of missing out on the World Cup gives him every reason to come back firing.

For betting purposes, watch Foden's Premier League top scorer price early in the season. If he starts slowly, the odds will stay long. If the first few weeks suggest the old Foden is back, they'll shorten fast.

Backing Man City at a generous price to challenge for the title also makes sense if you trust the squad depth they still have. The Guardiola era is over, but underestimating this club has always been a mistake.