Patrick Vieira hails Antoine Semenyo after explosive start to life at Manchester City

French tactician Patrick Vieira has singled Ghana international Antoine Semenyo for praise following his explosive start at Manchester City.

Semenyo made a high-profile January 2026 move from AFC Bournemouth and has wasted no time adapting to Pep Guardiola’s system, quickly becoming a key attacking option in a squad chasing silverware on multiple fronts.

Since his arrival, the 25-year-old forward has delivered an immediate return, scoring eight goals across all competitions and adding a fresh layer of pace, intensity, and directness to City’s frontline.

His impact has been particularly evident in big moments, where his movement and pressing have stretched opposition defences and created new attacking angles for the champions.

One of the defining highlights of his early spell came in the 2026 EFL Cup final, where Semenyo played a decisive role as Manchester City secured a 2–0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley, lifting the first major trophy of his professional career.

Speaking on his rise, Vieira offered a glowing assessment of the Ghanaian’s form and mentality since joining the Premier League champions.

“I think he’s been one of the best players in the Premier League since January,” Vieira said. “He came into the team with strong character and personality. He’s been scoring goals and playing consistently—he’s been quite impressive since joining City.”

The praise reflects the growing recognition of Semenyo’s influence beyond the Etihad, with many viewing him as one of the most effective winter signings in recent seasons.

A key factor in his success has been his seamless adaptation to Guardiola’s demanding tactical structure. Semenyo’s versatility allows him to operate across the front line, while his direct running, work rate, and pressing intensity have made him a natural fit in City’s fluid attacking system.

More importantly, his mentality has stood out. He has quickly earned the trust of teammates and coaching staff, fitting into a dressing room known for its high standards and competition for places.

On the international stage, his rise is also expected to strengthen the Ghana national football team, with expectations growing that he could become a central figure for the Black Stars in major tournaments.

With Manchester City still competing across domestic and European fronts, Semenyo’s role is expected to grow even further as the season reaches its decisive stages.