Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden have long been among the key players for Manchester City, and their performances have been crucial to the team’s success. Over the years, these two players have established themselves as some of the finest talents in the Premier League and beyond. Their individual brilliance and their chemistry together on the field have made Manchester City one of the most formidable teams in world football. However, as the 2025 season progresses, there are growing questions surrounding the future of both players in the starting lineup, as new signings and the emergence of other talents within the team have created healthy competition for places.
The significance of Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City’s history cannot be overstated. De Bruyne has been a key figure for City, and his performances have often been pivotal in some of the club’s most memorable moments. Take, for example, the 2023 Champions League tie against Real Madrid. In the first leg of the semi-final at the Bernabeu, De Bruyne played through a hamstring injury to help City secure a crucial equalizer. His performance in that game helped set up the subsequent 4-0 victory in the second leg, sending City to their first-ever Champions League final. De Bruyne’s ability to perform at the highest level despite physical limitations showcases his resilience and determination. His leadership on the pitch and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game has made him one of the most valuable assets in City’s squad.
Similarly, Phil Foden’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overlooked. The young Englishman has been one of the standout performers for City in recent seasons, and his performances have often been marked by his incredible skill and versatility. Foden is known for his ability to score spectacular goals and his creativity in the final third. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2024 Champions League tie against Real Madrid. In the first leg, Foden scored a rocket of a goal, which not only demonstrated his exceptional talent but also his ability to rise to the occasion in big games. His performance in that game was pivotal, and his goal helped City secure a 3-3 draw, leaving them in a strong position for the second leg. Foden’s potential and his ability to shine on the biggest stage make him one of the brightest young talents in world football.
However, as much as both De Bruyne and Foden have been integral to Manchester City’s success, the 2025 season has seen an increase in competition for places in the starting lineup. This has led to questions about whether either player will have their place guaranteed in big matches, such as the upcoming Champions League game against Real Madrid. With new signings and the emergence of other talented players, both De Bruyne and Foden now face a battle to maintain their spots in the team.
One of the key factors contributing to this increased competition is the arrival of Nico Gonzalez, a January signing who has made an immediate impact on Manchester City’s midfield. Gonzalez’s arrival has brought a new level of security and balance to City’s midfield, linking the defense and attack in a way that had been lacking earlier in the season. His presence on the pitch has allowed other players to thrive, and his performances have shown that he is more than capable of handling the demands of playing for a top club like Manchester City. In the 3-0 victory over Newcastle, Gonzalez’s contribution was clear, and his performance demonstrated why he deserves to start in upcoming games. With his ability to control the midfield and dictate the flow of the game, Gonzalez has quickly become a key figure in City’s lineup.
In addition to Gonzalez, another January signing, Omar Marmoush, has made his mark on Manchester City. Marmoush, who arrived for £59 million, has shown glimpses of his potential, and his hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Newcastle further cemented his place in the team. Marmoush’s performance in that game was particularly important, as it demonstrated his ability to deliver in critical moments. His pace, skill, and composure in front of goal make him a valuable asset to the team, and his hat-trick proved that he can be a game-changer. Marmoush’s strong performances have made it clear that he should be given more playing time, and Guardiola will be keen to integrate him into the team for the crucial games ahead, including the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Alongside these new signings, Savinho, another player who has been in excellent form, has made a strong case for a starting position. Savinho has been a revelation for Manchester City, and his contributions have been key to the team’s success in recent weeks. He has been involved in creating goals and has continued to impress with his ability to link up play and make important contributions in the final third. Savinho’s form has been especially important with Jack Grealish sidelined due to injury. With Grealish unavailable, Savinho has stepped up and delivered consistently, making him one of the first names on the team sheet. His ability to create chances and make an impact in games makes him an important player for Guardiola, and it seems likely that he will start in the upcoming Champions League game against Real Madrid.
With these four players—Gonzalez, Marmoush, Savinho, and the already established Erling Haaland—showing their quality, there is now intense competition for the remaining two attacking spots in the team. This leaves Guardiola with the difficult task of selecting which players will start alongside the more defensively-minded Gonzalez. While De Bruyne and Foden are undoubtedly among the best players in the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify starting both of them, especially in a game as important as the second leg against Real Madrid. Guardiola may choose to play both players, but this would leave only Gonzalez to anchor the midfield, leaving City with an attack-heavy lineup that could leave them vulnerable at the back.
In such a crucial game, Guardiola may opt for a more balanced lineup, with Bernardo Silva coming into midfield alongside Gonzalez. Silva’s work rate, versatility, and tactical intelligence make him an ideal choice for such a game. His ability to contribute defensively, as well as his creativity in the final third, would provide balance to the team. Silva’s experience and composure in big games would also be invaluable against a team like Real Madrid, and Guardiola is likely to favor him over other options, such as Ilkay Gundogan. With Silva in midfield, Guardiola would still have plenty of attacking options, with Marmoush, Savinho, and Haaland all providing attacking threat. This would mean that at least one of De Bruyne or Foden would have to start on the bench, despite their immense quality.
The decision to bench one of De Bruyne or Foden for such a crucial game is not one that Guardiola would take lightly. Both players are vital to Manchester City’s success, and they have been instrumental in some of the club’s most important victories. However, the competition for places is fierce, and Guardiola’s job is to select the best team for each specific match. The form of the new signings and the emergence of other players means that Guardiola now has more options than ever before, and this will force De Bruyne and Foden to fight for their place in the starting lineup.
If Guardiola is willing to leave out De Bruyne or Foden for the second leg against Real Madrid, it could set a precedent for other big games later in the season. The upcoming matches against Liverpool and other top teams in the Premier League may see similar decisions, with Guardiola choosing to leave out one of his star players in favor of a more balanced lineup. This is a testament to the strength and depth of Manchester City’s squad, but it also means that even the biggest stars cannot take their place for granted.
For De Bruyne and Foden, the message is clear: if they want to remain integral to Manchester City’s starting lineup, they will have to continue performing at their best and show that they are still indispensable to the team’s success. Competition for places can only benefit the team in the long run, as it pushes players to constantly improve and perform to the highest standards. Guardiola has built a squad full of talent, and this competition will only make Manchester City stronger as they pursue more titles this season.
In conclusion, while Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden remain two of Manchester City’s most important players, the arrival of new signings and the emergence of other talented players has created fierce competition for places in the starting lineup. As the 2025 season progresses, Guardiola will have difficult decisions to make, and players like De Bruyne and Foden will need to prove that they still deserve to start in the biggest games. With players like Gonzalez, Marmoush, and Savinho stepping up, Manchester City’s squad depth will be tested to its limits. However, this competition for places only strengthens the team, and Guardiola’s tactical decisions will play a key role in City’s pursuit of more trophies this season.
