Enzo Maresca has backed Phil Foden to become a major force for Manchester City this season after the England international delivered a hat-trick against AEK Athens, while also confirming Erling Haaland is ready to start against Aston Villa.
Foden’s performance offered a timely reminder of his quality, earning strong praise from the City boss, who believes the midfielder has not consistently shown his best level over the past few years.
Despite that dip, Maresca remains convinced that Foden has what it takes to make a decisive contribution to City’s campaign. Rather than dwell on his recent struggles, the manager is focused on helping the academy graduate rediscover his top form and deliver consistently.
“I consider Phil Foden one of the best English players. For different reasons in the last two or three years, he was not good enough. But I know how good he is! So we are just trying to help him because we are sure that he’s going to help us this season…”
The hat-trick against AEK Athens could provide the attacking midfielder with fresh momentum as he looks to turn that confidence into regular performances. For Maresca, the priority is ensuring Foden receives the support needed to translate his ability into a sustained impact.
Foden was not the only academy product to impress, with Maresca also highlighting the performances of Floyd Samba, Ryan McAidoo and Kaden Braithwaite.
The manager was particularly pleased with Samba’s contribution from the start, pointing to his involvement in the free-kick that led to City’s opening goal. McAidoo also made an immediate impression, while Braithwaite earned recognition for his display.
“The three players from the ManCity academy were all good, especially Floyd [Samba] from the start! The free-kick for the first goal he was good in that action. And overall I think he had a good game.
“Ryan McAidoo made an impact immediately, also Kaden [Braithwaite]. Very happy, it’s always a pleasure for me to give them some moments.
“Also from the academy, Phil [Foden] scored a hat-trick. At the same time, we had chance to give rest to some players that have played every game since day one!”
The result therefore offered benefits beyond the scoreline, giving several young players valuable minutes while allowing members of the first-team squad to recover. Managing workloads could prove crucial as City navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, with Maresca confirming that Haaland is available to start after being among the players given time to rest.
The Norwegian striker’s readiness will be a significant boost for City as they prepare for a challenging away fixture. His presence offers the team a proven goal threat, while Foden’s resurgence could provide another attacking weapon.
“He’s OK to start on Saturday. We had five, six players on the bench that were ready to go on, but at the same time they had rest which is good! And yeah, happy with that!”
With Foden finding his scoring touch, academy prospects making their case and Haaland ready for the weekend, City have several reasons for encouragement. The challenge now is to carry that momentum into the Premier League and turn individual performances into consistent results.
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