Antoine Semenyo: The Best Player In The Premier League So Far?
With seven matches in the books, the Premier League has seen a number of impressive performances thus far. However, there hasn’t been a player that’s hit the ground running more than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year old Ghanaian forward has been instrumental in the Cherries start to the campaign, registering six goals and three assists in just seven appearances. As Bournemouth sit fourth in the table, heading into the international break.
Having already established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League over the past few seasons, Semenyo seems to have taken his game to the next level. Showcasing an ability to single-handedly win games, when the going gets tough for Adoni Iraola’s side.
Something that was evident in Bournemouth’s most recent clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Scoring twice with 12 minutes to go, in order to rescue the Cherries from a 1-0 deficit and secure their fourth win of the campaign. Semenyo has registered a goal contribution in all but two matches this season – including a brace against Liverpool on the opening day.
Playing style
Known for his combination of pace, technical ability, directness and versatility, comfortable playing on either flank or centrally. Semenyo has been a thorn in Premier League defences ever since he arrived from Bristol City in 2023.
Comfortable using both feet to a high level when it comes to dribbling and ball-striking, which makes him a constant threat in 1v1 scenarios, Semenyo creates a sense of unpredictability for opposing defenders. The Bournemouth forward has completed the fifth most successful dribbles in the Premier League this season, only trailing Mohammed Kudus, Iliman Ndiaye, Yankuba Minteh and Jeremy Doku.
While his role in Andoni Iraola’s high intensity, aggressive pressing system hasn’t seen much change, Semenyo’s ability to take his chances in front of goal has seen yet another steady increase. Having managed to score six goals from an xG (expected goals) of 3.59 – ranking second behind Erling Haaland when it comes to overperforming this metric.
Although, overperforming xG can be viewed as negative and unsustainable, in Semenyo’s case that’s far from the truth. As the 25-year old has managed to outscore his xG in all three full seasons he’s had on the south coast, scoring 11 goals from 9.98 last campaign.
“[Semenyo] is a player with confidence, he’s been growing every season. He has played in the lower divisions, earning his way to the Premier League and now he’s improving. He’s adding things to his game,” said Andoni Iraola, following Bournemouth’s 3-1 victory against Fulham.
Semenyo’s journey
It hasn’t been a smooth journey to Premier League stardom for Semenyo, having been rejected by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Millwall and boyhood club Arsenal at academy level. Causing the then-teenager to temporarily end his pursuit of professional football, before being signed to Bristol City at the age of 17.
While it was a drawn out process to get his foot in the door, it wouldn’t take long for Semenyo’s talent to shine through, as he was given his senior debut for Bristol City just a year after signing for the club. Following an impressive loan spell with Bath City in the National League South, scoring six goals in 16 appearances.
Loans with Newport County and Sunderland would follow before Semenyo returned to Bristol City as a first-team regular for the 2020/21 campaign. Ending the season with five goals and six assists in 50 appearances and being named Bristol City Young Player of the Year.
Having shown the potential that he possessed previously, the Ghanaian would follow up his breakthrough campaign with 15 goals and 15 assists over the next season and a half, earning himself an international debut and securing a £10 million move to Premier League side Bournemouth in January 2023.
Semenyo has scored 28 goals and registered 11 assists in 97 appearances across all competitions since arriving at the Vitality Stadium. Helping Bournemouth attain a record points tally (56) and a joint-highest Premier League finish of ninth.
Despite becoming subject to interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the summer, with Bournemouth reportedly valuing the player at £70 million. Semenyo would decide to renew with the Cherries, putting pen-to-paper on an extension until 2030.
A decision that seems to have paid off, as Semenyo has continued to flourish under the tutelage of Andoni Iraola and will play a vital role for a Bournemouth team, who look to defy the odds.
By: Reece Coughlan / @ReeceAC_
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / David Horton – CameraSport