Manchester City stepped into a new era at the revamped Fifa Club World Cup – but it was one of their old boys who stole the show in Philadelphia.
Academy star Phil Foden struggled for form and fitness last season, but a second-minute goal and assist for Jeremy Doku helped his side to a 2-0 win over Moroccan club Wydad AC in their Group G opener.
With the sun shining at Lincoln Financial Field, the early signs suggest the England international may be on the path back towards his best after scoring only seven times in the Premier League last season.
With his starring role on Wednesday, Foden could also prove integral to City’s hopes of success in the competition.
“A new season, fresh me,” he told Channel 5 afterwards. “Looking forward to the season now.
“[The tournament is] very important, not just for me, but all the players. It is important to get your sharpness now in this big competition.
“Playing for a club like City, there are expectations to perform in every game. I’ve been used to that pressure. Last season was a bit rough for all of us, but it is about going again this season.”
Boss Pep Guardiola, whose side had Rico Lewis sent off in the 88th minute, said Foden’s performance was “really good” after describing his position on the pitch as a holding midfielder.
It’s all quiet on the transfer front at Coventry City and some fans are beginning to get impatient, wondering when the next deal is going to drop.
So far the Sky Blues have signed just two players, both full-backs in Miguel Angel Brau to compete on the left and Kaine Kesler-Hayden as competition or, more likely, perhaps, a replacement for Milan van Ewijk on the right.
Supporters will be hoping that Frank Lampard is backed further this summer and given the funds to add more fresh faces in his first big transfer window since taking charge last November.
It’s a bit of a waiting game at the minute so, in the meantime, let’s look at the club’s best case scenario this summer.
Goalkeeper reinforcements
As it stands City have two senior goalkeepers in Ben Wilson and Brad Collins for the new campaign, with young development stoppers Luke Bell and Oscar Varney offering support in pre-season as Oliver Dovin continues his rehab from ACL surgery. With the Swede not due back until the new year, and then expected to take time to get up to speed after that, there’s a strong case for the Sky Blues to go out and get an experienced keeper to come in and compete for the number one spot.
As it stands Wilson is favourite to start the season while question marks remain over Collins’ future at the club after a difficult time between the posts last term.
