Despite being clunky at times, a Manchester City winger has been crucial for his team | OneFootball

Manchester City signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth during the January transfer window earlier this year. Semenyo was signed to fill an obvious void in Manchester City’s squad. Marc Guehi was also signed in January. Looking at Antoine Semenyo, he has quickly established himself as a vital member of the City squad. His goals last season helped ease the burden on Erling Haaland. Looking at Semenyo’s performances so far this season, he has been clunky at times but his contributions are crucial for his team. He also looms as an important player in today’s 199th Manchester derby.

Enzo Maresca is thrilled with what Antoine Semenyo is providing his Manchester City side.

So far this season, Antoine Semenyo has played five matches and contributed two assists. His assists were provided Erling Haaland with headers against Crystal Palace and Coventry City. This season, Semenyo has started on the left wing. The goals haven’t come yet for Semenyo. Instead, his role is more to be a creator from out wide. At times, Semenyo has been clunky losing the ball out of play but for the majority of this season he has played well. With Enzo Maresca wanting his team to create one-on-one opportunities for his wingers, Semenyo is suited to this role.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, Enzo Maresca revealed that he is happy with the performances of Antoine Semenyo so far this season. The Manchester City manager said that the Ghana international is playing an important role for his team both on and off the ball. Maresca explained: “He’s giving us a lot in terms of on the ball and off the ball.”

“If you see the first goal we scored at Palace it was his cross. Coventry it was his assist. He’s working very well on the ball and off the ball. He’s helping a lot the team.“

Antoine Semenyo can still go up another level and he looms as a crucial player in today’s Manchester derby.

Despite Antoine Semenyo offering plenty for Manchester City both in and out of possession, he does have another level or two to go up with his performances. The goals haven’t yet arrived for Semenyo. Also, at times, his dribbling can be hit and miss. However, both of those aspects of Semenyo’s play are not areas of concern. As he works his way into the season, playing in a different role under Enzo Maresca, they will both improve. The pleasing aspect of Semenyo’s play is he is constantly getting into dangerous areas and providing a consistent outlet for his team.

Looking at today’s Manchester derby, Antoine Semenyo could be a game-breaker for Manchester City. Semenyo’s pace, power and creativity out wide will be an outlet that Enzo Maresca’s side will look to prosper from today. If Semenyo can create the chances he has for Erling Haaland, it may well tip today’s clash with Manchester United in City’s favour. It will take a team effort for City to pick up all three points at Old Trafford. It will also take individuals to break open the match. Antoine Semenyo looms as a player who could do exactly that for Manchester City today.

Enzo Maresca is thrilled with the performances of Antoine Semenyo so far this season. At times, Semenyo’s play has seemed clunky but it isn’t a major concern given what Semenyo offers his team both in and out possession. Looking at today’s derby, if Semenyo fires, it could tilt today’s match in Manchester City’s favour. Especially if Semenyo goes up a level or two which he seems on the verge of doing.