Man City Boss Maresca Backs Foden Revival After AEK Hat-Trick

Maresca hails Foden as hat-trick ends drought in City rout

Enzo Maresca hailed Phil Foden as a top player after the England midfielder ended his long goal drought with a hat-trick in Manchester City's 5-1 Champions League rout of AEK Athens.

“He is a top player” says Maresca, delighted as Foden hits hat-trick...

Enzo Maresca believes Phil Foden proved his long slump may finally be behind him after netting a hat-trick in Manchester City's 5-1 demolition of AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After enduring a difficult spell over the past two seasons, the England midfielder looks to be on the cusp of a much-anticipated revival following his scintillating performance at the Etihad Stadium.

It has been a difficult period for the 26-year-old, who has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health.

Foden fell out of favour under former City boss Pep Guardiola and had gone 10 months without a goal before finding the net in Saturday's Premier League victory over Ipswich.

It has been another turbulent season for Foden, who was sent off in City's win at Manchester United and has had to fight for a place in Maresca's starting XI.

Taking advantage of injuries that left Erling Haaland on the bench against AEK and ruled out Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks, Foden impressed on the left wing before switching to the false nine role at the heart of City's attack.

“It is good news for me because you know he is doing well and this is what we want for many reasons,” City boss Maresca said.

“First of all, because he is a top player and we know that. Happy for him, but also happy for the team that we have one more weapon that we can use.”

Foden's hat-trick will have certainly caught the attention of England boss Thomas Tuchel as he prepares to name his squad for November's Nations League clashes with Croatia and Spain.

Player of the Match 🌟 https://t.co/L1ZaQTMy4A

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 20, 2026

Once regarded as one of England's brightest talents, Foden was omitted from the World Cup squad earlier this year in a stark indication of how far his stock had fallen.

Having ended his Champions League goal drought stretching back to November 2025, Foden must now deliver performances like this consistently to win over both Maresca and Tuchel.

Phil Foden's numbers against AEK