Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has backed Phil Foden to re-establish himself among the Premier League’s best players after the England international rediscovered his scoring touch with four goals in two matches.
Foden ended a 10-month goal drought in City’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town before scoring a hat-trick in their emphatic 5-1 Champions League win against AEK Athens on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old’s resurgence has offered encouragement to Maresca, who believes helping the midfielder rediscover his confidence and consistency is an important part of his responsibility as manager.
Foden endured a difficult period over the previous two seasons after enjoying a remarkable 2023/24 campaign, when he scored 27 goals for City and swept the major individual awards in English football.
His performances that season earned him the Premier League Player of the Season award and the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year honour.
However, maintaining those standards proved challenging, with the midfielder struggling to reproduce his previous influence and spending periods outside the starting line-up.
Maresca, who took charge of City in June following Pep Guardiola’s departure, revealed that he had held several conversations with Foden since arriving at the club, emphasising the importance of making the midfielder feel valued.
“Since we started, I sat down with Phil two or three times, especially at the beginning,” Maresca said, explaining that the discussions were intended to demonstrate how important the player remained to the team.
The Italian acknowledged that Foden’s performances over the previous two years had fallen below expectations but insisted that helping him return to his previous level was part of his responsibility.
“For me, I think it’s my duty to try to help Phil to be again one of the best players in England,” he added.
Maresca believes improving individual players ultimately strengthens the entire team, particularly when established performers regain the confidence and ability that previously made them decisive.
Foden’s recent performances suggest he is beginning to respond to that backing. His goal against Ipswich ended a prolonged barren spell, while his hat-trick against AEK Athens demonstrated his ability to influence matches in the final third.
The midfielder’s return to form could prove significant for City as they navigate a demanding season under a new manager. Although the club have undergone considerable changes following Guardiola’s departure, Maresca has overseen an impressive start in the Premier League.
City’s only defeat under the Italian came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, where they lost 4-2.
Despite the encouraging results, Maresca recognises that sustaining the team’s performance levels will require continued improvement from his players.
Foden also faces competition for attacking positions, with City possessing several options capable of operating across the midfield and forward line. His recent scoring form, however, gives Maresca another attacking weapon as the team pursue domestic and European success.
City are scheduled to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, with Foden hoping to build on his impressive performances and establish greater consistency.
For the England international, the immediate challenge is to ensure that his recent scoring return marks the beginning of a sustained revival rather than a brief burst of form.
Maresca’s confidence in the midfielder reflects the belief that Foden still possesses the quality to influence matches at the highest level. If he maintains his recent momentum, City could benefit from the return of a player whose goals and creativity were central to their previous successes.
