Erling Haaland has never hidden his high standards, either for himself or for those around him. At Manchester City, those standards are not just expected, they are demanded.
So when the prolific striker speaks with clear joy about a teammate, it carries weight. This season, Haaland has been quick to point to one player who embodies everything City stand for – Phil Foden.
Still only in his early twenties, Foden is becoming a Manchester City legend. A product of the club’s academy, he has grown from a promising youngster into a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s side.
For Haaland, the connection between the two goes beyond tactics or numbers. It is built on shared ambition, enjoyment of the game and a desire to keep pushing limits.
Haaland himself looks revitalised. While his goal tally remains the headline statistic, there has been a noticeable sharpness in his overall play and body language.
He appears more relaxed, more in tune with those around him, and more comfortable carrying the responsibility of leading the line for one of Europe’s strongest teams. That feeling, he suggests, is closely linked to the form of players like Foden.
Foden’s recent surge has been impossible to ignore. Six goals in four Premier League matches have underlined his growing influence and reminded many why he was voted England’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.
After a period where his performances dipped slightly, his return to top form has coincided with City’s climb back towards the top of the table.
For Haaland, the similarities between them are striking. They are the same age, both operate at the highest level of the game, and both thrive when playing with freedom and confidence. More importantly, they share an infectious positivity on the pitch that seems to lift the entire team.
Haaland’s admiration for Foden is rooted not just in numbers, but in attitude. Speaking about his teammate, the Norwegian striker made it clear how much he values the way Foden approaches football.
“Phil has been incredible and I’m really happy for him,” Haaland told Manchester Evening News. “Everyone knows how much quality he has — that’s why he’s won what he’s won. I love playing with him.
“You can see he just enjoys football so much, and I’m the same. When you play with a smile and enjoy it, usually it means you’re playing good football — and that’s what he’s doing.”
That enjoyment has become a defining feature of City’s recent performances. Foden has played with confidence, drifting between midfield and attack, finding space and delivering decisive moments.
Haaland, in turn, has benefited from the movement and creativity around him, allowing him to focus on what he does best: scoring goals.
Their understanding has grown steadily. Foden’s ability to read space and time his runs complements Haaland’s physical presence and sharp finishing. Defenders are often left with impossible choices, unsure whether to step out to meet Foden or hold position against Haaland.
Yet Haaland is keen to stress that individual brilliance alone is not enough at a club like Manchester City. Success, he says, is built on consistency and collective effort, even during periods of strong form.
“We’re in a good moment and we had a good week, but for us it’s always about consistency. We know we still have a lot to improve and that has to be the focus.
“When you play for Manchester City there are no excuses — you have to win and you have to fight for trophies. That’s what we’re here for and that’s what we push each other to do every day.”
- Paul Merson reveals how Guardiola might be forced to leave Man City
- How Man City could set-up against West Ham; match prediction, team news
Those words reflect Guardiola’s philosophy, one that has shaped Foden since his teenage years and now defines Haaland’s role at the club. No matter how impressive the run, there is always another level to reach.
Man City building momentum across competitions
City’s recent results suggest that message is being taken seriously. They have won six games in a row across all competitions and claimed victory in 13 of their last 16 matches. It is a run that has reignited their domestic title challenge and strengthened their position in Europe.
In the Premier League, City now sit second, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. With momentum on their side, the gap feels manageable, particularly given the experience within Guardiola’s squad. Players like Foden, despite his age, already know what it takes to navigate the pressure of a title race.
In the Champions League, City are well placed in the league phase, maintaining control of their campaign and avoiding unnecessary drama. While European success remains a demanding challenge, performances so far have suggested a team growing in confidence.
There has also been progress in domestic cup competition. City have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2021. For a squad used to silverware, this represents another opportunity rather than a distraction.
The success story continues as Phil Foden is becoming a Manchester City legend and Haaland’s performance has stood out. One arrived as a global superstar, the other rose through the ranks to become a symbol of the club’s identity. Together, they represent both the present and future of Manchester City.