After Phil Foden scored a hat-trick for Manchester City in their 4-1 annihilation of Aston Villa, he did something no other English player has done this season.
It’s fair to claim that despite how brilliant Foden has been this campaign, for him to be a standout amongst England’s plethora of superstars is still impressive.
Especially considering how many English players have set the world alight this term.
A certain Jude Bellingham has also lit up La Liga by emerging as the division’s best player in a Real Madrid shirt.
While Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich look set to lose the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, he has covered himself in glory, with 37 goals and 12 assists to his name in all competitions.
Meanwhile, looking at the defensive-minded players, Declan Rice has been one of the best midfielders in Europe.
When looking at the number of in-form Englishmen, a statistic that shows Phil Foden has trumped all of them in one respect is a testament to his excellent displays this campaign.
Phil Foden has done something no English player has this season
Especially considering the number of positions Foden has played in for Guardiola’s side this season.
Number 10, both flanks, as an inside forward, the £225,000-a-week man’s versatility has been tested once again.
But instead of throwing any sort of tantrum or making a statement about his dislike for being utilised across the pitch, Phil Foden has put his head down and done his talking on the pitch.
The likes of Kane and Bellingham have largely played in their favoured roles and as a result, they have been sensational.
Perhaps Rice to a lesser extent as he has also played further up the pitch for Arsenal at times but in fairness, he has always been comfortable in a more box-to-box midfield role.
But even so, as per TNT Sports on X, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is the only English player to have reached more than 30 goal contributions without scoring a single penalty this season after his hat-trick against Aston Villa.
Foden currently has 21 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Jude Bellingham has 29 goal contributions, which is why would not even be in the conversation with Phil Foden.
The same goes for Cole Palmer, who has 30 goal involvements in all competitions and even if he had as many as his former City teammate, he has scored plenty of penalties.
While Harry Kane also takes spot-kicks for Bayern, even though he has 49 goal contributions.
Phil Foden deserves massive credit for this statistic
Putting up impressive numbers is one thing but to reach as many as 31 goals and assists without taking a penalty is incredible from Phil Foden.
While taking penalties is a difficult task, it is undeniable that a spot-kick is much more in the penalty taker’s favour than the goalkeeper’s.
As a result, goal numbers in particular can be boosted when a player takes multiple penalties in a season.
However, such claims cannot be made when discussing Foden’s numbers, who has proven that this season he is highly productive and can be for years to come.
As Phil Foden’s productivity is not reliant on penalties, it is far more sustainable than plenty of other attackers in the game.