Why is Phil Foden named ‘The Sniper’? Exploring meaning of his new goal

Phil Foden is an exciting young product of Manchester City Academy. Phil Foden rose through the ranks at Manchester City, showcasing his talents as a midfielder. Phil is currently at the peak of his career, being a valuable asset to Guardiola and his Co.

In the 2022-23 season with the club, Phil Foden was overshadowed by the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. However, this season, he is getting all the game time that he needs to show Pep his worth. Phil has been impressive so far and dedicated his recent goal celebration to his nickname ‘The Sniper.’

Phil Foden credits his goal celebration to his nickname

The big Manchester Derby between Manchester City and Manchester United was scheduled for 3 March 2024. With big names like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne just coming back from injury, the hopes for Manchester City to win the derby were high compared to their rivals who were facing a severe injury crisis.

However, the fans expected the derby to be one-sided in City’s favor, but United had other plans going into the game. Marcus Rashford scored the opener for United in just 8 minutes from the start of the game. City were struggling to score a goal till half-time.

Then comes the young gun of Phil Foden who took the matter on his own and scored a screamer from outside the box, celebrating with a gesture signifying himself as “The Sniper” of the team. Building on this momentum, he added another goal from inside the box, completing his brace in the match.

In fact, Foden was awarded the Player of the Match after his impactful performance.

In the post-match interview, his teammate Kyle Walker walked us through his celebration, he said, “We call him the sniper because he likes to shoot when he comes in on that left foot, we know he’s got the quality and composure to pick his spot. He took his goal fantastically well.”

Walker added, “The second, probably coming off the left-hand side, you don’t really see Phil in that position but for him to find the corner as he has done, I think that just shows his flexibility. He’s even been trusted down the middle as well this year, which I think is a big part of the responsibility he has taken on. We lean on him and we need important players like him.”

Walker ended the interview by saying, “He loves a shot, he practices, he puts in the work and he’s always doing extra shooting. His goals are coming, he’s reaping the rewards and he needs to keep these standards up. I think this season he’s been nothing short of first-class. That’s the standard he sets for himself, that’s the standard we set for him, the manager and that’s the standard he has to keep up now.”

How is Phil Foden’s season going thus far?

Manchester City faced a severe injury crisis almost till mid-season. Players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Joško Gvardiol, and Jack Grealish were missing out from the matches for almost half of the season. It was time for the young guns to step up with their performance to keep the club still in contest to win the league title.

Phil Foden, often doubted as an average performer for the club, has truly come into his own this season. Seizing every opportunity, he has outshone numerous youngsters across Europe. His total goals and assists tally stand at an impressive 28 in all competitions for the club this season.

With such impressive form, Will Phil Foden become the highlight of the season for Manchester City and help the club win another dominating treble?