I burned out at Man City after landmark season - now I'm back with a simple request for Guardiola

Phil Foden looked like he had simply picked up where he left off on Wednesday night. He picked up the ball, span past three defenders and arrowed an effort into the bottom corner.

But this was a goal that felt significant because we simply haven't seen Foden display that kind of form for Manchester City this season.

The reigning Premier League and PFA Player of the Year, Foden hit his highest heights last season, before helping England to the Euro 2024 final. And then, in his own words, he burned out.

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Foden has made just four starts this season, and none in any big games. They have come against Watford, Slovan Bratislava, Fulham and Sparta Prague. He returned to City after his Euro 2024 exploits with injury, missed pre-season, and then missed some games with illness.

He simply hasn't been able to rediscover his form from last season that cemented his status as the best in the league. Even Pep Guardiola has been cryptic about Foden needing to be in the right place mentally before he can be at his best on the field.

But while Foden acknowledges his struggles so far this season, he isn't worried.

"Obviously it's been a bit of a slow start for me," he told reporters after starting against Sparta. "Every player goes through it. I'm glad I'm back and enjoying my football again.

"Even last year I started a little bit slow. I don't think there's been a big difference in performances. Obviously I've not started as many. I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness. A few niggles as well. A few things