Manchester City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 in a Champions League match on Tuesday, with Phil Foden scoring a hat trick to lead the victory. According to Khaleej Times, the performance was highlighted by manager Enzo Maresca as a potential turning point for the England midfielder, who had struggled with form over the previous two seasons. Foden, who had not scored for ten months prior to a goal against Ipswich earlier in the week, played on the left wing before moving into a false nine role as the focal point of the attack.
Maresca noted that Foden's display provided evidence that his prolonged slump might be over. The manager stated that having Foden in good form adds another weapon to the team's arsenal. The victory came in the absence of key players, with Erling Haaland starting on the bench and Antoine Semenyo sidelined for eight weeks due to injury. Foden took advantage of these circumstances to deliver a dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium, also assisting Rayan Cherki for City's third goal.
Teammate Rico Lewis provided the assists for Foden's first two goals and praised the midfielder's talent. Lewis described Foden as an unbelievable player and expressed delight at assisting him after five years in the first team. Foden himself acknowledged his previous loss of form, stating that he is going in the right direction. He noted that scoring helps his confidence and that he enjoyed playing in the false nine role, which he felt allowed him to contribute more effectively to the team's attack.
The performance may also catch the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who is preparing to select a squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain in November. Foden was previously left out of the World Cup squad earlier this year, a move that signified his fall from grace. Although the win was against an out-classed opponent, Foden's ability to lead the young players in Maresca's changed lineup suggests he is regaining the trust of both the club and national team management.