Phil Foden told to forget potential new role under Man City boss Enzo Maresca

There are doubts over whether Phil Foden can step up into a leadership position at Manchester City.

Instead, talkSPORT’s Carlton Cole hopes Foden, who is now City’s longest-serving player at age 26, can ‘galvanise’ the team with his performances instead.

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The captain’s armband is up for grabs at City after Bernardo Silva departed at the end of his contract.

Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri are the leading candidates to succeed Silva given they were part of the club’s leadership group last season.

But Foden, who has been with the club since 2008, when he was eight years old, is ready to take on a more senior role within the squad.

When asked if becoming one of City’s captains appealed to him, Foden replied: “I’m one of the last remaining players that have been here for a long time.

“I think I have to be, this season, one of the leaders, one of the captains or in and around it.

“I’m looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take the leadership.”

Phil your boots

Despite Foden’s proclamation, Cole does not believe it should be the ‘priority’ for the City star.

“He’s a beacon of light, being a local lad in the area,” Cole said on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan.

“Top player, top talent, but I want him to focus on getting back his form and getting back in the England team.

“Being a leader for your club is not a priority. I want you to get back to being that consistent player we know and love.

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“We want to see the top Foden, we don’t want him to have other pressures when that’s not really his personality.”

Foden is aiming to bounce back following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which he registered 17 goal contributions in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Foden’s waning influence was reflected in the fact only 33 of his 50 appearances last term for City were starts.

Just two years prior, Foden scored 27 goals and contributed 13 assists in 53 fixtures, underlining the drastic dip in form.

Flippin’ El!

Although Cole was uncertain about Foden’s leadership credentials, he’d feel far more comfortable with Elliot Anderson taking on a more senior role.

Anderson only joined City earlier this summer for an eye-watering £116million from Nottingham Forest, making him the club’s record signing.

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“I like Anderson,” Cole said. “He’s a leader, more so than Phil Foden. I can see him growing into a leadership role.

“I’m not saying I don’t believe in Phil Foden, I think he’s a top player and his talent shows.

“But the type of player Anderson is, he’s a commander and workhorse. That’s who I want leading.

“I want Phil Foden to be Phil Foden and galvanises the team with his performances. That’s what he was doing before. He was inspiring.”