The 26-year-old joined from Bournemouth in the winter transfer window and has hit the ground running, scoring five times and providing two assists in his nine appearances so far.
As well as contributing directly in the final third, the arrival of Semenyo - alongside defender Marc Guéhi – has helped to galvanise a side that remains in the hunt for four major trophies this season.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit of Newcastle United, Guardiola outlined what Semenyo has brought to his squad.
“It’s not just scoring a lot of goals,” he began.
“The strikers and the players who play up front are so important. Not just that.
“Makes a special rhythm, his versatility to play many positions up front and in the three positions.
“We knew it and comes from Bournemouth, they are exceptional in the rhythm and defensively and he has it in his DNA. His impact has been really good.
“The guys who came adapt quick because the guys for a long time here embrace them so quick.”
The Ghana international was one of the division’s standout players in the first half of the campaign while still at Bournemouth.
Asked when he saw Semenyo’s potential to reach the very top of the game, Guardiola said the No.42 still has plenty of room for growth.
“Antoine we played against him many times in the last years and whether he can be top class or elite, we have to see,” said Pep.
“I don’t know, when you buy a player from a club, they come here, see how he adapts to play in the Champions League where he hasn’t played before.
“The biggest stages in the Premier League, yes, but in the knockout stages in the position is a good test for him.
“How he will react. I’m pretty sure his mentality, I think he will handle it quite well.”
Be at City v Nottingham Forest!
We welcome Forest to the Etihad Stadium at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 4 March.
And you can be there to see it as Pep Guardiola’s City continue to chase Premier League glory.
Tickets for this game are now on sale to all fans, starting from just £43 for adults and £23 for U18s.
Or, if you fancy something more special, hospitality packages start from just £199 with other experiences tailored for every budget!
