Maresca confirms surprise Erling Haaland alternative after Marmoush exit

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Antoine Semenyo can provide City with an alternative to Erling Haaland following Omar Marmoush’s loan move to Tottenham.

Marmoush left for Spurs during the summer transfer window, leaving Haaland as City’s only recognised senior centre-forward.

There had already been suggestions that Semenyo could be asked to move inside if Haaland was unavailable. Maresca has now confirmed it is an option.

Semenyo can play through the middle

Asked ahead of Saturday’s game against Coventry whether he was comfortable without a natural replacement for Haaland, Maresca said he was.

The City boss explained that he has several options depending on the plan for each game, before specifically identifying Semenyo as someone who can play there.

It gives us a little more insight into how Maresca intends to use the Ghana international this season.

Semenyo has primarily operated from the flank since arriving from Bournemouth in January and has started both of City’s Premier League games this season. He also supplied the cross for Haaland’s opening goal in the 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Deadline Day arrival Iliman Ndiaye gives Maresca another option in the wide positions, potentially making it easier to move Semenyo through the middle when required.

Haaland remains the obvious first choice. But with Marmoush now at Tottenham and no specialist centre-forward arriving before the deadline, Maresca has confirmed one of his solutions is already in the building.

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