Enzo Maresca has reaffirmed his belief in Phil Foden’s quality after the Manchester City midfielder delivered a superb hat-trick in the 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, insisting he had never doubted the England international’s ability to make a major contribution.
Foden was the star of the show at the Etihad Stadium, scoring three times as City secured their second win of this season’s European campaign. Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki also found the net in an impressive team performance.
The treble continued Foden’s encouraging return following a month away from competitive action after receiving a red card against Manchester United and serving a three-match suspension. He had already scored in City’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town before producing an even more decisive display in Europe.
For Maresca, however, Foden’s latest performance was not a surprise. The City manager believes the academy graduate has always possessed the ability to influence matches at the highest level.
Maresca Never Lost Faith in Foden
Foden’s absence had interrupted his efforts to build momentum, but Maresca made it clear that his confidence in the midfielder remained strong throughout that period.
The Italian explained that he had been pleased with Foden’s performances even before the suspension, highlighting the high regard in which he holds the 26-year-old.
“I said since day one I consider him one of the best English players,” Maresca said.
“I know how good he is and we are just trying to help him because I’m sure he will help us.”
The manager also acknowledged that Foden had experienced difficulties over the previous two years, but believes the midfielder has the quality to overcome those challenges and become an important figure in his plans.
“We know Phil is a top player. For different reasons he had some problems in the last two years but I know he is going to help us and how good he is,” Maresca added.
“That’s why I’m keen to have him in the best way.”
Those comments underline the importance Maresca places on helping Foden rediscover his best form. Rather than treating the hat-trick as an isolated achievement, the City boss sees it as part of a wider effort to get one of his most talented players performing consistently.
A Hat-Trick That Underlined His Quality
Foden’s three goals against AEK demonstrated his ability to make a difference in different attacking situations.
He opened his account in the 34th minute, finishing after Rico Lewis helped create the opportunity. His second goal arrived in the 65th minute, with another incisive move involving Lewis allowing Foden to extend City’s advantage.
The midfielder completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, converting a cross from substitute Ryan McAidoo to put the result beyond doubt.
His second strike was particularly impressive, following an excellent long pass from Cherki that found Lewis before the full-back laid the ball back for Foden to finish.
The performance gave City another attacking dimension during a demanding run of fixtures and offered Foden an opportunity to build on his return against Ipswich.
With Maresca managing his squad across domestic and European competitions, a confident and productive Foden could prove particularly valuable in the weeks ahead.
Cherki Also Earns Praise From Maresca
Foden was not the only City attacker to catch the manager’s attention. Cherki scored a fine goal of his own in the 57th minute, restoring City’s two-goal advantage after AEK had briefly reduced the deficit.
The Frenchman created space with a clever dummy before finishing accurately, showcasing the individual skill that makes him a dangerous option in the final third.
Maresca was pleased with Cherki’s overall contribution and the influence he had on the contest.
“I think Rayan like the others, had a good game,” the manager said. “He made an impact in some moments like the goal.”
He also highlighted the unpredictability Cherki brings to City’s attack, adding: “We know we can expect anything from Rayan at any moment.”
Cherki’s creativity and Foden’s finishing provided a strong example of how City’s attacking players can complement one another. With Anderson also scoring his first goal for the club, the victory highlighted contributions from several members of the squad.
Maresca Focuses on the Team Rather Than Individual Awards
Foden’s performance naturally raised questions about his long-term potential and whether Cherki could eventually challenge for football’s biggest individual honour, the Ballon d’Or.
Maresca, however, was reluctant to focus on individual accolades, preferring to emphasise the collective responsibility shared by his players.
“I don’t know, the only thing I can say, this is a team sport not a single sport,” he said when asked about Cherki’s potential to win the award.
The manager also pointed to the quality available throughout his squad, naming Erling Haaland, Cherki and Anderson among the players capable of making an impact.
“We have to think about the 20/25 players that are in the squad,” Maresca added.
The message was clear: while individual brilliance can decide matches, City’s ambitions depend on the collective efforts of the entire team.
Foden Has an Opportunity to Build Momentum
City’s 5-1 victory over AEK provided a significant boost after their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their previous Champions League outing. Foden’s hat-trick was the headline moment, but the wider performance also demonstrated the attacking options available to Maresca.
For Foden personally, the priority will now be to maintain his momentum. Consecutive goals against Ipswich and AEK have given him a positive platform after his suspension, while his manager’s public backing reinforces the belief that he remains central to City’s plans.
Maresca has made his position clear: he has never questioned Foden’s talent. The challenge now is for the midfielder to turn this promising return into a sustained run of influential performances as Manchester City continue their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.
