New workload data shows many of Europe’s most-used players are at English clubs. The Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive says the demanding calendar harms players who perform at elite levels. Phil Foden is cited as a victim of cumulative fatigue, described as sustained overwork causing performance drops. Foden’s availability has declined since being voted England’s best league player less than two years ago, and he missed major games because he was not fit. Cole Palmer is also described as having three consecutive summers without a break, leading to limited appearances. The workload monitoring report tracks high appearance totals across club and country.
"Molango said the game was being damaged by the demands placed on the players who make us dream and argued that Foden has been victim of what the international players' union Fifpro calls cumulative fatigue: a drop in performance levels caused by sustained overwork. Premier League 2025-26 season review: our predictions v reality Less than two years ago Phil Foden was voted by his own peers in England as the best player of the league, Molango said."
"The reality is that, since then, the number of games that he has been available for has dropped. And when he has been available, it has not been the version of Phil Foden that we saw two years ago. Is it just a coincidence? We think that it's not. Unfortunately, he's one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those who pursue commercial gain."
"This year, effectively, he has missed out on some of the biggest games because he was not fit. Because he just could not cope with that demand that has been on him for a number of years. Foden has played through the past two summers, featuring for England at the Euros in 2024 and for Manchester City at the Club World Cup last year."
"It's very sad we've seen only a glimpse of Cole Palmer during this year, Molango said. He has been one of those guys who have gone three consecutive summers without a break. Fifpro's annual player workload monitoring report shows Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi top of this season's appearances list for club and country, with 67 so far."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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