Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca suggested Phil Foden's lengthy slump may finally be coming to an end following the playmaker's hat-trick in a 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old England international put in a standout performance, initially starting on the left wing before shifting into a "false nine" role as the focal point of City's attack. Foden took advantage of positional openings created by injuries that kept Erling Haaland on the substitutes' bench and sidelined Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks.
Foden's third goal of the night, scored against AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli, was City's fifth overall and marked his first Champions League goal since November 2025. The display builds on his goal in Saturday's Premier League victory against Ipswich, which ended a 10-month goal drought.
"It is good news for me because you know he is doing well and this is what we want for many reasons," 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."
The decisive win allowed Manchester City to bounce back from last week's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. It follows a difficult stretch for Foden, who has previously acknowledged struggling with mental health issues. Over the past two seasons, he lost his place under former manager Pep Guardiola, received a red card in City's win against Manchester United earlier this season, and was omitted from England's World Cup squad earlier this year.
Foden's resurgence comes as England manager Thomas Tuchel prepares to select his squad for November's Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, though Foden will need to maintain consistent performances to fully regain the trust of both his club and national team coaches.
Why It Matters
Phil Foden developed through Manchester City's youth academy to become one of English football's most celebrated talents, winning multiple Premier League titles and major individual honors early in his career. His recent struggles highlight the physical and psychological toll placed on elite athletes playing at the highest levels of European club and international football. For top-tier clubs competing across demanding domestic schedules and the expanded UEFA Champions League, maintaining deep attacking options is crucial for navigating unavoidable squad injuries throughout the season.
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