Foden hits the ground running as new season offers fresh start

CITY forward Phil Foden is relishing the start of the new season.

- JAKE BAYLISS

The summer departure of Ilkay Gundogan and an early injury to Kevin De Bruyne have seen the 23-year-old become a key part of Pep Guardiola's side.

Operating out wide but drifting into a number 10 role, Foden has responded by producing three assists in six league games and grabbed his first goal of the season against Nottingham Forest. It is a far cry from the situation that the young forward found himself in, just over six months ago. Fatigued from the mid-season World Cup, Foden picked up a foot injury in the January derby defeat to United and spent a month out of the starting XI as he struggled for fitness and form.

Once restored to the City teamsheet, he would respond with a sparkling display against Bournemouth, as well as scoring a brace in the FA Cup win over Bristol City.