Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has showered praise on Bournemouth’s in-form winger Antoine Semenyo, calling him an extraordinary player ahead of their Premier League showdown. The Spaniard’s remarks, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, highlight how far the Ghanaian forward has come this season, emerging as one of the most influential players in the league.
Guardiola’s comments follow a string of impressive displays, including his brace in the 3-1 win over Fulham and another dominant showing in the 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest as reported by Softfootball, as these performances have propelled Bournemouth into the top four. During his pre-match press conference, Guardiola was asked about the threats his side might face, and he didn’t hesitate to single out the Ghanaian international.
Guardiola said:
The way Bournemouth play suits him perfectly. He’s an extraordinary player.
Such open admiration from one of football’s most meticulous tacticians underscores Semenyo’s growing reputation. Guardiola’s acknowledgement adds to the chorus of praise surrounding the winger’s all-round brilliance this season. Semenyo’s rise under Andoni Iraola has been no fluke. The 25-year-old fits perfectly into Bournemouth’s aggressive, high-pressing and counter-attacking style.
His pace, strength, and sharp instincts have been crucial in quick transitions — the kind of moments that unsettle even elite defences. Statistically, Semenyo has been electric this season: six goals, three assists, and direct involvement in 81.8 per cent of Bournemouth’s 11 league goals. He’s also the fastest player in the squad, clocking 34.2 km/h and making 152 sprints — numbers that place him among the Premier League’s elite in intensity and output.
What sets him apart is his two-footedness. Out of 17 shots this season, eight came from his right foot, eight from his left, and one from a header. His six goals are split evenly, making him unpredictable in front of goal. He also leads Bournemouth in ball-carry distance (13.7 metres per carry), often launching attacks from deep—a key reason Iraola’s side has scored four goals directly from fast breaks, the most in the league.
Guardiola himself noted that:
Everyone can beat everyone… it’s good for the spectators
Though facing a player like Semenyo in such open games is far from simple. Semenyo’s influence extends beyond club level. His recent form for Ghana has been equally vital in their World Cup qualification push against Cape Verde, where he and Mohammed Kudus have led the Black Stars’ frontline with power and flair.
Transfer interest is growing from top clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Tottenham, but the forward remains grounded. Having signed a five-year deal in the summer, he’s committed to Bournemouth for now. The numbers, though, speak for themselves — and now, even Pep Guardiola has joined the list of admirers. For Bournemouth fans, Semenyo isn’t just a rising star; he’s the symbol of their best-ever Premier League start.
