While the incredible timing of Haaland’s feats this campaign – 27 now for club and country – are the headlines, Foden is a key part of that “talent forward”.
Left out of the previous two England squads – and not conducting himself for the camp before – he faces a difficult task to restore Thomas Tuchel.
Jude Bellingham – also hoping to return after a shoulder injury – and Rogers Morgan are rivals for the number 10 role – the position where Boss Pep Guardiola feels most happy.
For City, he emerged from the shadow of Kevin de Brugne, who left the club in the summer as a legend at the start of this campaign allowing him to establish himself.
After a poor start, Guardiola’s men have lost just one of their last 13 games in all competitions and foden have featured in 12 of those who are ready to play – “a sign that he is ready” according to his manager.
Asked if Foden should be back in the England reckoning – especially at next summer’s World Cup – “Thomas knows Thomas Thomas knows Phil perfectly.
“There is no one in this country, no one in the whole world, that does not know his quality and ability, but England is very lucky to have many players in this position, many have many.
“That’s why Phil pushes himself to get better and better, because when he’s called, [he will] Say, ‘OK, I’ll show you how good I am’. “
The vision of the phases in full flow, creative and scoring exciting goals like the two against Dortmund, pleased Guardiola and the city faithful.
He admitted to trying to get himself “mentally right” after last season’s struggles.
In the previous 2023-24 campaign, Foden scored 27 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League as City missed out on a fourth title in a row.
This earned him the Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards, as well as being named in the PFA team of the year.
Foden also started all seven games as he helped England reach the final of the European Championship in July 2024, where they were eliminated by Spain 2-1.
But if he is left by Tuchel again, it will lead to concern about adding to his 45 caps and playing in the showpiece of Football International.
Former City and Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown had no doubts as he told BBC Radio 5: “I think we have to look at Foden in Foren, who will be the difference.
“A man who is mature, who likes it and cools down in tight situations. I think he is now at the level to return to the manager. He will challenge that challenge.
“He’s like a big boy when it comes to football, he wants to play and have a ball at his feet. As a manager it’s about being in the right position and he’s found it.
“He should go into the England squad.”