Phil Foden: Manchester City midfielder is 'victim' of fixture schedule after missing out on England spot

Foden a 'victim' of football's packed schedule

Phil Foden, the Manchester City midfielder, has been labeled a "victim" of the congested fixture schedule in football after being excluded from England's World Cup roster, according to the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

Foden was unable to secure a position in manager Thomas Tuchel's squad for the tournament taking place in North America, following what has been described as a disappointing season with Manchester City.

The 25-year-old was among several prominent players discussed during a meeting of Fifpro, the global organization representing professional footballers.

PFA chief Maheta Molango, who also occupies a role on the Fifpro board, articulated that various factors have contributed to why Foden has not performed at the level seen in previous seasons.

Despite this, Foden collected several individual accolades at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, including being recognized as the PFA Player of the Year.

Molango noted, "The number of games that he's been available for has dropped and, when he has been available, it has not been the version of Phil Foden we saw two years ago." He further emphasized, "Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those pursuing commercial gain to the detriment of the quality of the spectacle and the protection of players, who should be football's heritage."

The PFA chief expressed concern over the implications of sidelining talented players like Foden, stating, "It's a very sad state of affairs if someone like Phil is not on the pitch because we love players who make us dream and who possess pure talent."

Fifpro has voiced that players are unable to endure "high-threshold competitive seasons" year after year without facing the risks of injuries or diminishing performance levels.

Data compiled by the organization suggests that other players, such as Arsenal's England midfielder Declan Rice and Liverpool's Dutch center-back Virgil van Dijk, may be at higher risk for injuries or a decline in form in the upcoming season due to their extensive workloads.

Van Dijk participated in all 38 of Liverpool's Premier League matches, while Rice played in 36 fixtures for Arsenal. Both players are anticipated to compete in the expanded 48-team World Cup, where matches will also occur in elevated temperatures.

Molango expressed concerns regarding the implications of the World Cup, suggesting it may devolve into a "survival of the fittest." He stated, "There is a big chance that may be the case because some of the most talented players at the biggest clubs will reach a point where it is simply too much. You cannot go into a competition having already played 60, or close to 60, games."