Former Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has backed Antoine Semenyo to become the focal point of Enzo Maresca’s frontline, revealing some of the advice he has passed on to the Ghana forward.
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Manchester City’s attacking department has been dramatically updated over the last two transfer windows, with the club letting Savinho and Omar Marmoush depart and bringing in new recruits to shoulder greater responsibility in the final third.
Having swapped the South Coast for the Etihad Stadium during the 2026 winter transfer window, Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running during his first year in sky blue, operating under Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca.
That upward trajectory reached new heights over the course of the recent weekend, when the 26-year-old made a decisive contribution by scoring twice and setting up another during an entertaining 5-3 triumph over Sunderland.
Now, former City marksman Emmanuel Adebayor has discussed the attacker’s rapid development, detailing their personal connection and tipping the forward to eventually stand above his peers in east Manchester.
Enzo Maresca and Manchester City will have been left sweating on the fitness of Antoine Semenyo over the course of the now-ongoing international break.cityxtra.co.ukMan City's Antoine Semenyo Withdraws From Ghana National Team Call-Up Due To "Swollen Leg"
Enzo Maresca and Manchester City will have been left sweating on the fitness of Antoine Semenyo over the course of the now-ongoing international break.
Adebayor: Semenyo has the talent to become the best
Speaking to Ghanaian platform 3Sports, Emmanuel Adebayor disclosed that the former Bournemouth attacker frequently reaches out to him for guidance as he gets to grips with the demands of representing the champions.
“He always asks me, 'Big bro, how can I do this? How can I work on this?'” Adebayor said. “I keep telling him, keep your head on your shoulders, keep working hard and believe in your quality.
“If Man City bought you, the club had 50 or 100 meetings before deciding to bring you in. You have the talent, so believe in your quality and play without pressure.”
Adebayor, who completed his own high-profile switch to the Etihad Stadium from Arsenal back in 2009, understands better than most the scrutiny associated with leading the line for Manchester City.
He believes, however, that Antoine Semenyo possesses the raw ability and temperament to go all the way to the top.
“He's new to the Man City squad and playing alongside big players, but he will get there,” Adebayor added. “At some point, he will become the best and a key player for the team.”
Emmanuel Adebayor won the African Footballer of the Year award in 2008, shortly before his switch to Manchester City, and few would bet against Antoine Semenyo picking up the same accolade at some point if his goalscoring form continues.
A seamless rise through the English pyramid
Antoine Semenyo’s climb to the highest tier of European football stands as a testament to his persistence. Before sealing a long-term contract running to summer 2031 with Manchester City, the versatile forward cut his teeth in the lower leagues, spending loans in non-league football and across the English Football League before flourishing in Dorset.
A prolific spell on the south coast - including double figures in the top division prior to the winter window closing - persuaded Manchester City’s recruitment team to pounce in January.
Rather than finding himself sidelined amongst a star-studded group, Antoine Semenyo made an instant impression and has emerged as a preferred starter on the flank for both Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca, starting each of Manchester City’s first five Premier League games this term and assisting two goals prior to his weekend masterclass.
Semenyo has withdrawn from Ghana's squad for the first international break of the season due to injury, and his immediate priority remains sustaining his rich domestic form. He will be essential when club football returns as Manchester City face Liverpool at Anfield and Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.