"Everybody wanted him, there's a reason for that" - Manchester City star hails Antoine Semenyo after his debut in Exeter thrashing

Manchester City star Rico Lewis heaped praise on Antoine Semenyo after his excellent debut against Exeter City on Saturday, January 10. He highlighted that many clubs were interested in signing him, which showcases his abilities.

Manchester City signed Semenyo from Bournemouth for a reported fee of £64 million earlier this week. He made his debut from the start in their FA Cup Third Round clash against Exeter City on Saturday. He put in an excellent performance, as the hosts hammered the League One side 10-1.

Semenyo scored a goal and provided an assist in his 64 minutes on the pitch. He attempted two shots, completed 38/41 passes, including four key passes, and completed 1/3 dribble attempts (via SofaScore). After the game, Rico Lewis said about the attacker (h/t GOAL):

"It's not a surprise for us because everyone has seen how good of a player he is in the Premier League. Everybody wanted him, there's a reason for that and he's shown that today. It feels like a seamless transition into the team. He's a really good person as well which is another positive."

Semenyo recorded 10 goals and three assists in 20 games in the Premier League this season before joining Manchester City.

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Manchester City's assistant manager praises Antoine Semenyo's performance against Exeter

Pep Guardiola was suspended for the Cityzens' clash against Exeter; hence, Pep Lijnders was on the touchline for the game. He lauded the team's performance in an emphatic win and also spoke about Semenyo in particular. He said:

"I think a lot of good performances today. A lot of good individual performances. I think when the team plays like that it becomes easier for the individual, but Antoine is settling well.

"He is a humble guy and we have followed him for a long time, but he brings something to the frontline - what we really want and what we need. He can attack quick, he wants to chase, he is a guy who doesn't stop. I think you see today that he can adapt quite quickly to our style. It's nice to have him with us."

With the win against Exeter, Manchester City broke the run of three consecutive draws.

They will next face Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the first leg of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, January 13. The winner of the tie will face either Arsenal or Chelsea in the final.