Wayne Rooney has questioned how Phil Foden was used in a recent final, saying his late appearance felt more like a “charity substitution” than a real role in the game.
Foden came on in the closing moments of Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final, with the match already decided. His brief time on the pitch raised questions about his current position in the team.
Rooney admitted he felt sorry for the young midfielder, pointing out that a player of Foden’s quality should be playing a much bigger role. He suggested it was surprising to see him getting so few minutes, especially after being such an important player in previous seasons.
The former England captain also hinted that something may not be right behind the scenes, as Foden has recently struggled to get regular game time. Despite his talent and past performances, he has found himself on the bench more often, which has led to growing concern about his situation.
For Foden, it has been a difficult period. While he was part of the squad and celebrated the team’s success, the lack of involvement in such a big match is likely to be frustrating. Every player wants to make an impact in finals, not just appear briefly at the end.
Rooney’s comments reflect a wider discussion about the midfielder’s current form and role. With major international tournaments coming up, his lack of minutes could become an important issue for both club and country.
Despite the situation, Foden remains one of the most talented players in English football. The challenge now will be for him to regain his place and prove his importance once again.
