Phil Foden’s late cameo in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal has drawn sympathy from Wayne Rooney, who suggested the England international’s introduction felt more symbolic than tactical.
The 25-year-old midfielder was brought on in stoppage time at Wembley Stadium, replacing Rayan Cherki with City already in control of a 2-0 victory.
It was a moment that underlined a difficult spell for a player who, not long ago, had been central to the team’s attacking rhythm.
Under Pep Guardiola, competition for places has intensified, and Foden has found himself increasingly on the fringes.
In recent fixtures, the likes of Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Savinho have been selected ahead of him. The England international has started just four of City’s last 13 matches across all competitions, a notable drop for a player of his standing.
Rooney questions Foden’s reduced role
Speaking on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney did not hide his concern at the situation, questioning why a player of Foden’s quality has slipped down the pecking order.
“I felt sad for him but not sad because he is coming on in a cup final,” Rooney said.
“There was a game a few days ago when he didn’t even get on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would think good experience. But to see Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch.
“I don’t know what has happened, he is a top player. It feels strange he can’t get anywhere near the team. It feels like something has gone on there.
“I thought Foden was in good form but all of a sudden we haven’t seen him get any minutes. Firstly he will be pleased they won the cup but from a selfish point of view, he would have wanted to be out there and having an influence.
“That will be a tough one for him.”
Earlier in the campaign, Foden had shown flashes of his usual sharpness, including a productive run in front of goal.
However, that momentum has faded, with the midfielder enduring a 20-game spell without scoring since mid-December.
Foden remains focused despite frustration
Despite the lack of minutes, Foden has maintained a composed outlook, acknowledging the challenges that come with fluctuating form and selection.
“Football sometimes is not straightforward,” Foden said after the victory over Arsenal. “There are ups and downs and sometimes you can’t be the best version of yourself and that’s the way it is.
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“It’s just about how you pick yourself back up. I’m still keeping my head down, trying to train as well as I can every day.
“Hopefully I come back after the internationals a lot sharper and hopefully I can get more minutes and be back to where I was at the start of the season.”
His comments point to a determination to regain his place, even as competition within the squad remains fierce.
City’s strength in depth has been a defining feature of Guardiola’s tenure, but it can also leave established players facing unexpected periods on the sidelines.
With the international break offering a reset, Foden will hope to return sharper and ready to reclaim a more prominent role.
