Man City player likened to ‘prime Messi’ after what he did vs Monaco
Manchester City 2-2 drew late on in Monaco due to a 90th minute Eric Dier penalty in the Champions League.
Rayan Cherki and Rodri returned to training in the week in a boost for Pep Guardiola ahead of Man City’s second Champions League fixture of the season.
Man City beat Napoli 2-0 last time out, but Guardiola’s team couldn’t replicate that feat, having to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Erling Haaland scored twice and caught the eye of TNT Sports’ co-commentator Glenn Hoddle for his showing in the principality.
Manchester City fans clamour to praise Phil Foden
Haaland put in a fantastic performance, scoring City’s two goals despite having limited touches of the ball throughout the game.
However, the Man City fanbase raced to social media to discuss the performance of Phil Foden after how he played against Monaco.
One fan said: “Doku hasn’t had space, big 45+ for him to come. Haaland/Foden incredible.”
Another fan wrote: “This Phil Foden performance, along with the previous month of September, is almost giving me PFA Player of the Year vibes again.”
One other Man City supporter commented: “Foden has been nothing short of magical today, knitting together every single good thing we do out there, watch out.”
While another stated: “Bro the way Foden operates in pockets is nuts, the way his body can advance into his next move, I’ve never seen anyone do it like him.”
One final Man City fan added: “Actually think City played very well for the most part. Monaco are set up really well, so not the easiest block to break down. City have probed well and so many players have looked good. Haaland (obviously) but Foden, NOR and Rodri have all been absolutely class too.”
Phil Foden runs the show against Monaco
Foden ran the show against Monaco in the Champions League as Man City left France with a point after falling to a late penalty goal.
The Englishman has bounced back from a poor season in 2024-25 to start the 2025-26 campaign in impressive form.
| Phil Foden v Monaco | Stat |
| Hit woodwork | 1 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
| Accruate long balls | 2/2 |
| Accurate long balls | 89% |
Foden has one Premier League goal and has two goal involvements in the League Cup, meaning the Englishman has scored a quarter of his entire goal tally from last season in his first nine appearances this year.
Guardiola will hope Foden’s performances can continue to improve as the season goes on, with the Spaniard hoping to return to the summit of England’s top flight.