Pep Guardiola challenges Antoine Semenyo to prove elite Manchester City level

​Pep Guardiola has praised Antoine Semenyo’s early impact at Manchester City but says the forward still has to prove whether he can truly reach the very top level.

“It’s not just scoring a lot of goals,” Guardiola said when asked about the former Bournemouth striker’s start at the club. “The strikers and the players who play up front are so important. Not just that.”

Guardiola highlighted Semenyo’s versatility, stressing that his ability to play across all three attacking positions brings a special rhythm to City’s forward line.

He pointed out that Bournemouth’s intense style, especially their defensive work and high tempo, has clearly shaped Semenyo’s game and helped him settle quickly. The City boss also credited his existing squad for embracing new arrivals and helping them adapt fast to life at the Etihad.

However, Guardiola made it clear that the real test is still to come on the biggest stages. “Whether he can be top class or elite, we have to see,” he admitted, referencing the Champions League knockouts as a key benchmark for Semenyo, who has not played in the competition before.

Even so, with five goals and two assists in his first nine games, Semenyo has already shown promising signs that he can handle the pressure of a title-chasing side.