Enzo Maresca hails Phil Foden after Champions League hat-trick for Manchester City

Enzo Maresca praised Phil Foden as a “top player” after the England international scored three times in Manchester City’s 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

Foden has endured difficulties with form and fitness during the past two seasons, but the 26-year-old appeared to have rediscovered his best level under Maresca.

The Manchester City head coach said Foden’s performance was significant both for the player and the team, which now has another attacking option available.

“It is good news for me because you know he is doing well and this is what we want for many reasons,” Maresca said.

“First of all, because he is a top player and we know that. Happy for him, but also happy for the team that we have one more weapon that we can use.”

Rico Lewis supplied the assists for Foden’s first two goals and praised the ability of his friend and former academy team-mate.

“Phil is an unbelievable player,” Lewis said. “When I first came into the first team, I was closest with him.

“I almost wanted to be him when I was coming up. To be able to play with him now, five years down the line, assist him, and see how well he is still doing, is amazing.”