Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo, the master class against Atletico Madrid that reveals a new playmaker

Antoine Semenyo didn’t find the back of the net, but he was at the heart of the action. Against Atlético Madrid, the Ghanaian winger delivered two assists in a matter of minutes, helping Manchester City overturn the Colchoneros (3-1). Yet another showcase that highlights an intriguing evolution: Semenyo, once known primarily as a goalscorer, is now emerging as a true provider in the final third.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime after Jorge Domínguez opened the scoring, Manchester City came out after the break with renewed intensity. At the center of this comeback was Antoine Semenyo. In just a few minutes, the Ghanaian set up Omar Marmoush twice, allowing the Egyptian striker to flip the script of the match.

Two assists, two goals from Marmoush, and a City side that ultimately triumphed 3-1. Both of the Egyptian’s goals were directly created by Semenyo, as confirmed by the Manchester club.

Four assists in three matches

This performance is no fluke. It’s part of an especially impressive preseason for the former Bournemouth player.

Semenyo now has four assists in just three warm-up games. Against Inter Milan, he’d already set up Divin Mubama for the opening goal in a 1-1 draw.

A few days later, facing the K-League All-Stars, he chipped in another assist in City’s 3-1 victory, picking out Tijjani Reijnders for Manchester City’s second goal of the night.

Then came the showcase against Atlético. Two more assists. Four in three games: Semenyo is already involved in a significant share of City’s attacking output.

The scorer transforms into a creator

This evolution is particularly interesting when compared to his stats from last season. Semenyo scored 21 goals in all competitions, while also providing 6 assists in 48 appearances.

The assist count was identical the season before: 6 assists. However, his goal tally was lower then, with 13 goals scored.

In other words, Semenyo has made significant strides in both areas. He went from 13 to 21 goals, while maintaining 6 assists. And now, in preseason, he already has four.

So, Manchester City appears to have gained not just a goalscorer, but a player capable of setting up his teammates as well.

An added weapon for the new City

Arriving at Manchester City in January 2026 from Bournemouth, Semenyo quickly showed he could adapt to the highest level. He finished his first full month with City with three goals and an assist in five Premier League matches, earning him the Player of the Month award for February.

A few months later, he also scored the winning goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup final, securing City’s eighth trophy in the competition.

His arrival had already added a new dimension to City’s attack. But this preseason hints at another side to his game. More than just a finisher, Semenyo now seems eager to help build the play as well.

And this versatility could be a major asset in Enzo Maresca’s plans. With Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, and the other attacking talents at City, having a player who can alternate between driving at defenses, finishing, and delivering the final pass is a real added weapon.

The Ghanaian steps up to a new level

Antoine Semenyo appears to be entering a new phase of his career. His stats already showed his progress as a finisher. Now, his preseason performances prove he can also be a regular provider.

Four assists in three games: the number may belong to preseason, but the message is loud and clear.

Having already proven he can score, Antoine Semenyo is now showing he can set up goals as well. And if this trend continues once the official matches begin, Manchester City could have an even more complete striker on their hands than the one who arrived from Bournemouth.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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