Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes honest, personal conversations have helped Phil Foden rediscover his confidence, with the England international beginning to show signs of returning to the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s standout players.

Foden has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in recent days, scoring four goals across his last two appearances for City. After ending a lengthy goal drought in the 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, the 26-year-old followed it up with a stunning hat-trick in Tuesday’s 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens.

For Maresca, the resurgence is not simply about goals. The Italian coach believes rebuilding a player's confidence and making him understand his importance to the team can have a significant impact on the entire squad.

Speaking ahead of City's Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Maresca revealed that he had sat down with Foden several times since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium.

“Since we started, I sat down with Phil two or three times, especially at the beginning, just to show him how important he is,” Maresca explained.

The manager stopped short of suggesting that the problem had been solved completely, but his message was clear: he wants Foden to feel valued, regain his best form and become a decisive figure in City's pursuit of success.

A Difficult Period Behind Him

Foden's recent struggles have represented a significant change for a player who enjoyed an outstanding 2023-24 campaign, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and collecting major individual honours, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

However, the seasons that followed were more difficult. His performances lacked the consistency that had previously made him such an influential presence in City's midfield and attack. His struggles also contributed to his omission from England's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Before scoring against Ipswich, Foden had gone approximately 10 months without a goal for City. The end of that drought appears to have lifted some of the pressure, and his subsequent Champions League hat-trick provided another encouraging indication of his progress.

Maresca, who previously worked alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, already knows the midfielder's qualities. He insists that helping Foden rediscover them is part of his responsibility as manager.

“I know Phil from years ago, so I know how good he is,” Maresca said, acknowledging that the midfielder had not performed at his expected level over the previous few seasons.

He added that improving individual players ultimately makes the team stronger.

More Than Just a Goal Scorer

Foden's return to form could prove important as City navigate a demanding season under a new manager.

His ability to operate between the lines, combine with attacking teammates and arrive in dangerous positions gives City another dimension in the final third. When confident, he can create opportunities as well as finish them, making him difficult for opposition defences to contain.

His recent performances have also come at a time when competition for attacking positions remains fierce. Rayan Cherki has impressed with his technical ability and creativity, while Erling Haaland continues to provide a major threat in front of goal.

Maresca has praised Cherki's quality but also highlighted the importance of positioning and balance within the team's attacking structure. The manager wants his creative players to express themselves without losing sight of their responsibilities to the collective.

For Foden, that competition could be an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Maintaining his current level will be essential if he wants to establish himself as an automatic choice in Maresca's starting lineup.

The manager has made it clear that recent goals alone will not determine whether Foden has fully returned to his best. Consistency over the course of the season will be the real measure of his progress.

Manchester City Look to Maintain Their Momentum

City travel to Aston Villa on Saturday hoping to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season under Maresca. Seven consecutive league victories have placed them at the top of the table, providing an encouraging beginning to a new chapter following Guardiola's departure.

Foden's resurgence gives the team another reason for optimism, particularly as City continue to balance domestic ambitions with their Champions League campaign.

However, Maresca knows that the season is still long and that there is considerable room for improvement. He has repeatedly stressed that the focus must remain on the team's overall performance rather than individual achievements.

That approach could benefit Foden. Rather than placing the burden of carrying City on his shoulders, Maresca appears determined to create an environment in which the midfielder can perform with confidence while contributing to the wider team effort.

The Road Back to His Best

Foden's recent goals are encouraging, but the more important development may be the renewed belief surrounding his performances.

A player who spent months searching for a goal has suddenly found the net four times in two matches. The challenge now is to turn that short burst of form into a sustained run of influential performances.

Maresca's personal approach suggests that he understands the importance of trust and communication, especially when working with a player who has previously reached the highest levels of individual excellence.

For Manchester City, a fully confident Foden would represent a significant addition to their attacking options. For the midfielder himself, this could be the beginning of a long-awaited return to the level that earned him widespread recognition in English football.

The early signs are positive. Now, Foden must build on them and show that his latest performances are not merely a brief revival, but the start of a consistent return to his best.

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