Former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards has praised the rapid rise of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, describing his adaptation at Manchester City as “absolutely fantastic.”
Speaking on Sky Sports, Richards highlighted Semenyo’s ability to seamlessly fit into Pep Guardiola’s demanding system, noting that while many players require time to settle at a new club, the 24-year-old has hit the ground running.
“He’s just got that true quality,” Richards said. “We always say players need time to adapt at new clubs, but he brings the pace, the power, and football IQ to do what Pep wants. That’s the most important thing.”
Richards also emphasized the complexity of Semenyo’s role, pointing out that beyond operating in attack alongside elite forwards such as Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, the Ghanaian has taken on defensive responsibilities in unfamiliar positions.
“When you're up front with Haaland, then with Marmoush, but also he's having to drop in defensively to positions which are probably new to him. The way he's adapted is absolutely fantastic,” Richards added.
Despite competing in a squad that includes talents like Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders, Semenyo has continued to make a telling impact.
“There are so many stars in the Man City team, but to have that impact with so many of them shows how good he is,” Richards noted. “The question mark was whether he could do it at this level — and he definitely can. Long may it continue.”
Semenyo’s latest goal took his tally to an impressive 14 goals and four assists in 27 Premier League appearances this season, underlining both his consistency and influence in City’s title push.
He will look to build on that remarkable form when City host Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, as he continues to cement his status as one of the standout performers in Guardiola’s squad.
