He’s a fabulous player’ – Hargreaves praises in-form Semenyo
1st March 2026
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has heaped praise on Ghana international Antoine Semenyo, describing him as a “fabulous player” who deserves to compete at the highest level of the game.
Hargreaves’ comments came after Semenyo scored the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Leeds United, a result that cuts the gap to two points behind league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
“He deserves the opportunity of playing with the best team, or one of the best teams, with the best players,” Hargreaves said. “He’s a fabulous player, he can play on the left, he can play through the middle, on the right, he played as a split-striker today.
“I love watching him play, he’s so versatile, he’s athletic, he’s a good finisher. Where you want to be as a footballer is at the top, and he’s come all the way through the ranks, it’s quite an amazing story.”
Semenyo’s decisive strike at Elland Road underlined his growing influence in City’s title charge. In recent weeks, the Ghanaian forward has emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking threats, combining pace, physicality and clinical finishing.
His form has not only strengthened City’s pursuit of Arsenal at the summit but also fuelled wider debate about his standing among the division’s elite forwards.
For a player who has steadily risen through the ranks to reach the top of English football, the praise from Hargreaves reflects a broader sentiment: Semenyo is no longer simply a promising talent, he is delivering on the biggest stage.