De Bruyne was a second half substitute in the 5-0 FA Cup third round win over Huddersfield Town.
The influential and iconic midfielder was applauded wildly by the Etihad crowd when he made his entry into the action and his homecoming was also celebrated by his teammates after four months out with a hamstring injury, including a joyous Foden.
“Everyone was buzzing to have him back,” said the two-goal player of the match against the Terriers.
“If we’re going to win anything, we need him at it.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, no one can do what he does.
“You could see the stadium roaring when he came on and it just shows how big and important he is for us. To have him back on the field, it gives us a lift as well.
“I am delighted for him to come back and hopefully he remains injury free because we need him.”
De Bruyne’s comeback was a very welcome sight for everyone of blue persuasion this weekend, along with summer signing Jeremy Doku, who was also a second half substitute after his own frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Those reappearances caught the eye but so did the senior debut of Jacob Wright, who came on for Mateo Kovacic in central midfield for the closing stages.
The midfield general, strong at breaking up play and intelligent in his distribution for the EDS team, produced a positive cameo for Pep Guardiola’s men and Foden was thrilled.
“I am delighted for him,” added Foden.
“He’s worked so hard in training to get his rewards and he’s got them this weekend on the pitch.
“It’s a dream for me also to play with the academy players. Hopefully I am an example for the young ones to show it’s possible, even in a team like this, that you can get your chances if you work hard in training.
“I am delighted for all the young ones who are playing at the moment and long may that continue.”
