Manchester City were in control for much of Tuesday’s match at the Etihad Stadium, with Elliot Anderson opening the scoring before Foden made it 2-0 in the 34th minute. Stavros Pilios briefly gave AEK hope after half-time, but Rayan Cherki restored City’s two-goal cushion from Foden’s pass.
Foden added two more goals to complete his treble, taking City to a convincing victory in their 150th match in the competition.
Maresca said his confidence in the academy graduate had remained strong even before Foden’s recent suspension interrupted his season.
“I was very happy with Phil, even before the red card to be honest,” the City manager said. “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 because 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.”
Foden’s second goal was a particular highlight, following a move involving Rico Lewis before the midfielder fired home. Cherki also impressed, creating his own opportunity with a clever dummy and a precise low finish.
“I think Rayan like the others, had a good game,” Maresca said. “He made an impact in some moments like the goal. We know we can expect anything from Rayan at any moment.”
Maresca was reluctant to focus on individual accolades when asked whether Cherki could eventually contend for the Ballon d’Or, stressing that City’s success depended on the squad as a whole.
“I don’t know, the only thing I can say, this is a team sport not a single sport,” he said. “Erling [Haaland] is a top player, so is Rayan and Elliot. We have to think about the 20/25 players that are in the squad.”
AEK head coach Marko Nikolić acknowledged the difference in quality while insisting his team had been willing to compete rather than simply defend.
“The result [margin] is very big; we were playing a team with the highest quality in the world of football over the last few seasons and this season,” he said. “But we were brave enough and had very good moments.”
Nikolić said City repeatedly punished his side in decisive attacking moments, while also praising the travelling AEK supporters for creating an impressive atmosphere.
“In some moments, maybe our players were too respectful of the [quality of the] City players,” he added. “In some moments we were very close [to matching them], but quality is quality and they decided [that in attack] they were in a good mood. We saw some nice goals – especially from [Phil] Foden.”
AEK will now turn their attention to domestic competition before hosting Real Madrid on 4 November.