Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 3 April 2026 21:00, UK

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Manchester City supporters rarely have a good word to say about Rio Ferdinand, but his comments about Phil Foden are spot on.

There has been a lot of talk around whether the 25-year-old will be on England’s plane for the 2026 World Cup, especially after trudging off injured during the draw against Uruguay.

Foden began the 2025-26 campaign in dazzling form, with 13 goals and six assists under his belt for Pep Guardiola’s side, but his contributions have since dried up, with just one assist since December.

Guardiola will be hoping for better performances when Man City face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and Ferdinand is clearly one pundit also hoping for the best with one of England’s biggest talents.

Gabby Agbonlahor wrong to lash out at Phil Foden

Gabby Agbonlahor laid into Foden for his lack of goal contributions this year, classing him as a “training ground player” after falling down Guardiola’s pecking order in recent weeks.

However, hitting back at those claims, Ferdinand took to X (2 April), writing: “Gabby,” with a facepalm emoji, “He’s won six Premier League titles at 25 years old.

“[He’s] Got 10 G/A in the Premier League this season (Same as [Bukayo] Saka and [Ollie] Watkins.”

It is absolutely no secret that Foden lacks consistency. He can be one of the Premier League’s best players one week, and barely make an impact against bottom-of-the-league teams the next.

However, he is still young, mouldable, and eager to learn from one of the best managers in footballing history, and even a Man United legend wants the best for him.

Man City’s academy graduate now faces an uncertain future

Understandably, the 25-year-old has been a major talking point for club and country, and with his contract running out in the summer of 2027, rumours are only getting louder.

Football Insider understands that Foden could be tempted to move abroad due to delays over his current contract situation, with no agreement yet reached over new terms at the Etihad.

Fans are struggling to see where the academy product fits into Guardiola’s current system, but there should be absolutely no doubts over his ability, especially the ones raised by Agbonlahor.

Pundits find it far too easy to slate the England international, forgetting just how incredible he was at the beginning of the campaign, so Ferdinand deserves to be recognised for protecting the talent.