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Semenyo Impresses as Maresca’s Wing Plan Takes Shape

A dominant Hong Kong friendly display and private talks with the new coach point to a larger, one‑v‑one winger role for the forward next season.

Overview

  • In Manchester City’s Hong Kong friendly with Inter Milan, Antoine Semenyo dominated the left in the first half, drove to the byline and helped create City’s opening goal.
  • New manager Enzo Maresca has said he wants aggressive wingers who win one‑v‑one battles and praised the wide players he saw in the preseason game.
  • Semenyo said Maresca’s instructions are “music to my ears,” confirmed he has had individual meetings with the coach, and said he feels settled at City.
  • The display builds on Semenyo’s January move from Bournemouth for a reported £65m and his 21 goals last season, including the FA Cup final winner.
  • Preseason form is not a guarantee of season performance, so the key developments to watch are how Maresca deploys Semenyo in competitive matches and whether opponents adjust to his direct running.