Despite not having the title, a Manchester City favourite is a leader

Despite not having the title, a Manchester City favourite is a leader Enzo Maresca confirmed yesterday that the Manchester City captaincy group for the 2026-27 season would be Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Marc Guehi. All four players provide the City squad with a strong presence and they all lead in their own way . One player who did have the ambition of being named in Manchester City’s captaincy group was Phil Foden. Foden shared his leadership ambition at the beginning of Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia. Despite Foden not being named in City’s captaincy group, Enzo Maresca still considers Foden as one of City’s leaders. Enzo Maresca considers Phil Foden a Manchester City captain despite him not being named in City’s captaincy group. After Enzo Maresca revealed that Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi would join Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias in Manchester City’s captaincy group, he was asked where Phil Foden stands in City’s leadership group. Maresca revealed that he considers Foden a captain and his status as a player who rose through the ranks at Manchester City means he is a player who will help set the standards at City. The Manchester City manager explained yesterday: “ I was thinking about Phil [Foden], because he is one of the guys from the house. He’s not in that group, but for me he is also one of the captains; one of the players that belongs to that group. ” If Phil Foden builds on last weekend’s display he will be a leader with his actions. Phil Foden remains a crucial player for his team. Although he has had two ‘down’ seasons, he is a match-winner and a game breaker at his best. Slowly but surely, Foden is showing signs that he is getting back to his best form. He picked up two assists in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last Friday night. Foden was lively on the right wing and his performance was important in City’s win at Selhurst Park. Perhaps the more pleasing aspect of Foden’s performance last week was the fact that he put two gilt-edged misses behind him to help his team to an important win. That showed the fortitude that Foden has as a player. Looking ahead, if Foden can build on his performance from last weekend, he can lead through his performances. Foden is in the prime years of his career. He has achieved all there is to achieve. However, Manchester City and Phil Foden are embarking on a new era. Foden is one of the more experienced players in the City squad. His teammates will turn to him to know what is demanded at City. If he can perform at his best on a consistent basis, Foden will lead by example for his team. Enzo Maresca still considers Phil Foden a Manchester City captain despite not naming him in Manchester City’s captaincy group. Foden is a player who can lead by example and if his form continues on an upward trajectory this season, he will do exactly that.