No Haaland, no problem – can Foden become Manchester City’s alternative goalscorer?
Phil Foden’s dazzling performance in the Champions League against AEK Athens reminded everyone of the talent he still possesses. After two under‑whelming seasons that he himself described as falling short of expectations, some observers may have begun to forget what the 26‑year‑old can achieve. Being omitted from England’s World Cup squad last summer did not help, but Foden entered this campaign promising a “fresh start” under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The fresh start was initially slow, highlighted by a red card in the September derby with Manchester United. However, a goal against Ipswich on Saturday – his first Premier League strike in ten months – seemed to unlock a new surge of confidence. Two days later he completed a superb hat‑trick in City’s 5‑1 demolition of AEK Athens at the Etihad.
“I enjoyed that a lot,” Foden told TNT Sports. “The lads were great again. We showed determination again. I am a forward so I have to keep scoring and helping the team. It is good for my confidence.” When asked if he was returning to his best form, he replied, “Slowly, but surely. Still got a long way to go, but I am going in the right direction. Scoring along the way definitely helps. I want to keep working hard and keep being the best I can for the manager and the team.”
City manager Maresca made eight changes from the side that beat Ipswich, keeping only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias and Foden. Erling Haaland was named in the squad but missed the match after a foot injury, giving Maresca the chance to test Foden in a false‑nine role. Foden began on the right before moving centrally, a shift he said he “really enjoyed”. A brief scare came when Athens pulled one back early in the second half, but City responded and never looked back.
By the final whistle Foden had been involved in four of the five goals, becoming only the third English player to record a Champions League hat‑trick and an assist in the same game, joining Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, 2004) and former teammate Raheem Sterling (City, 2019). His first and third goals came from close range, while the second was a brilliant strike from just inside the box, a first‑time effort that curled into the top corner. Former City defender Joleon Lescott praised the finish, calling it “beautiful” and “exquisite”.
Lescott added, “I think he has convinced the manager that if Erling Haaland isn’t available for any reason throughout the season, then he is the man to play at number nine.” Foden scored 19 league goals as City clinched the 2023‑24 Premier League title and collected both the PFA Player of the Year and the league’s Player of the Season awards. He then endured a barren spell of 31 games without a goal for club and country, yet signed a new four‑year contract in July.
Maresca remained upbeat despite the earlier red card for a challenge on Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. “I was very happy with Phil, even before the red card, to be honest,” he said. “Since day one I have considered him one of the best English players. We know Phil is a top player. He has had some problems in the last two years but he is going to help us. That is why we are so keen to have him in the best way.”
Former England winger Ashley Young echoed the sentiment on BBC Radio 5 Live: “When Phil Foden gets his opportunities, he takes them with both hands. By getting a hat‑trick, his confidence is going to be sky high.” Maresca can also take comfort in not having to rely on Haaland or Jeremy Doku, instead using the talent already at his disposal. “This is not a second‑string side, but you have to go out there and show the manager ‘I should be playing’,” Young added. Foden appears to be answering those questions with his performances.