Phil Foden delivered a magnificent man-of-the-match display in Manchester City's 5-1 Champions League thrashing of AEK Athens at Etihad Stadium, scoring a stunning hat-trick and providing an assist.
After two disappointing seasons and being left out of England's World Cup squad, Foden told reporters he was looking forward to a "fresh start" under new manager Enzo Maresca. A red card in the September derby against Manchester United followed, but a first Premier League goal in 10 months against Ipswich last weekend sparked his revival.
"I enjoyed that a lot," Foden said on TNT Sports. "Slowly, but surely. Still got a long way to go, but I am going in the right direction. Scoring along the way definitely helps."
The 26-year-old's performance made him only the third Englishman to score a hat-trick and provide an assist in a Champions League match, joining Wayne Rooney and former team-mate Raheem Sterling. Maresca took a risk with eight changes, retaining Foden in a false nine role that the player "really enjoyed." Former City defender Joleon Lescott praised Foden's "exquisite" finishing, while Maresca confirmed: "I consider him one of the best English players."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing