Phil Foden has plummeted from Premier League star to Manchester City benchwarmer, starting just four of the team's past 12 matches. The England playmaker, once instrumental in City's treble-winning campaign, has not scored since December and played only 182 Premier League minutes across six recent games. Manager Pep Guardiola has preferred new signings Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, plus Savinho, in Foden's absence.

Wayne Rooney suggests Guardiola's tactical shift explains Foden's decline. City now play a more direct, physical style with wingers like Semenyo and Cherki running at defenders - a system less suited to Foden's strengths. Since Foden's last goal, City's new arrivals have combined for 17 goals. His recent substitution after failing to track back against Nottingham Forest has raised further questions about his form.

Former City midfielder Michael Brown speculates Foden may be carrying an undisclosed injury, while Rooney notes the tactical evolution away from Guardiola's traditional possession-based approach. With a World Cup approaching and Thomas Tuchel set to name his next England squad on March 14, Foden's international place is under threat. The 25-year-old faces a battle to reclaim his starting position as City's season hangs in the balance.