Enzo Maresca discussed the displays of two attackers in a 5-1 Man City win over AEK Athens.

The Citizens wanted to bounce back from their 4-2 loss to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain last week at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League.

They got the response that they wanted without needing to rely on their talismanic nine as a pair of senior attacking midfielders made a mark.

‘I consider him one of the best English players’

Phil Foden had been suspended in the Premier League following a red card against Manchester United in a 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford in the 23rd minute. He returned to action in the domestic division with the opening goal of the game in a 3-2 victory against Ipswich Town on the weekend.

The academy graduate backed up that strike with a hat-trick against Greek opposition on Tuesday evening. He might not have continued the upward trajectory of 2024, but his quality is respected.

“I was very happy with Phil, even before the red card to be honest. I said since day one I consider him one of the best English players. I know how good he is and we are just trying to help him. I’m sure he will help us.

“We know Phil is a top player. For different reasons he had some problems in the last two years, but I know he is going to help us and how good he is. That’s why I’m keen to have him in the best way.”

‘We know we can expect anything from Rayan at any moment’

There was also recognition of the brilliance of mercurial ten Rayan Cherki, who showed a composed head for his finish not dissimilarly to strikes against Sunderland and Liverpool in the last month.