Manchester City’s Phil Foden appears to be emerging from a challenging period in his career after scoring a hat-trick in the club’s 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League on October 20. The 26-year-old midfielder’s performance at the Etihad Stadium followed his first goal in ten months during a Premier League match against Ipswich Town on October 17, signaling a potential turnaround after a difficult two years marked by inconsistent form and fitness issues.
Foden, who had been sidelined from England’s 2026 World Cup squad and faced a suspension following a red card in a recent Manchester derby, has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup under Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca. Injuries to key forwards Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, the latter expected to be out for eight weeks, provided Foden the opportunity to fill a more prominent attacking role. He started on the left wing before moving to the ‘false nine’ position, where he thrived as the main focal point of City’s attack.
City’s manager praised Foden’s performance as a positive development for both the player and the team. “He is a top player, and it is good news for me to see him doing well,” Maresca said, emphasizing the added offensive threat Foden provides. This resurgence could also influence England’s national team selections, with manager Thomas Tuchel preparing for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Foden himself acknowledged the long road ahead in reclaiming his best form but expressed optimism following his recent contributions. “I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m heading in the right direction. Scoring goals definitely helps my confidence,” he said after the match. He also noted the enjoyment he found playing as a false nine and the responsibility he took in guiding younger teammates on the pitch.
The victory marked a return to form for Manchester City in their continental campaign following a home loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite ongoing off-field issues related to a recent guilty verdict against the club, the players showed resilience on the field. City, making eight changes to their lineup for the match, demonstrated determination to improve as the game progressed, with contributions from Elliot Anderson, who scored his first goal for the club, and Rayan Cherki, who benefited from Foden’s creativity.
Right-back Rico Lewis, a longtime teammate and friend of Foden’s from their youth academy days, praised Foden’s talent and impact on the team. “Phil is an unbelievable player,” Lewis said, highlighting the mutual support as a factor in their performances.
Overall, Foden’s recent displays indicate he may be regaining his confidence and form, a development that will be closely observed by both Manchester City and England supporters as the season unfolds.