Antoine Semenyo's rise at AFC Bournemouth has been a journey of fantastic growth and transformation.
He has quickly become a pivotal player for the club, showcasing his rise from a promising talent to a key figure in Andoni Iraola's system.
His physical presence, natural footballing talent and tactical awareness have made him a driving force in the Cherries' attack.
Already contributing goals and assists this season, Semenyo's importance to the team nowadays is undeniable when it comes to matchdays.
As Bournemouth’s attacking line-up evolves, his energy, directness and ability to create chances have made him indispensable to the squad’s current success with his name being the first on the team sheet.
The question is: how did this remarkable transformation happen so quickly?
Style of play
Antoine Semenyo has become a key player in Bournemouth’s system and has thrived since Andoni Iraola’s arrival at the club, suiting the manager’s direct, attacking system perfectly.
His speed, direct dribbling, and physicality make him a natural fit for the high press and he sees much success from it as a result.
Playing across the front line, Semenyo’s footballing ability adds quality to the field with his ball-carrying ability and strength combined.
Semenyo easily shrugs off opponents and often breaks defensive lines, allowing Bournemouth to exploit transitions - a key part of the club’s style of play.
One of the key features of the Ghanaian is the ability to cut inside, beat defenders and power a shot towards goal, which has seen him score plenty of goals as a result.
But he is just as comfortable running down the line and this is mainly down to his equal competence with both feet, leaving defenders wondering which way he will turn and whether there is a shot incoming or not.
During defensive phases, he is relentless at pressing, making him vital in Iraola’s counter-pressing tactics and a key asset within the system.
Whilst his finishing still needs refining, Semenyo's movement off the ball and his work in link-up play help create opportunities for teammates.
It is this array of qualities that make him a class player for the club, providing buckets of quality to the side and executing Iraola’s tactics to great effect.
Early days at Bournemouth
When Semenyo made the switch from Bristol City to Bournemouth in January 2023, he initially struggled a little to adapt to the new environment of a Premier League club.
Bournemouth, under the management of Gary O’Neil at the time, operated with a far more defensive, conservative system compared to what Semenyo is used to playing now.
This limited the attacking opportunities available to him, making it difficult for him to truly express his abilities on the pitch and convert them into goal contributions.
Adjusting to Premier League football was another challenge; stepping up to the top flight from the Championship can be daunting for many players, and Semenyo was no exception.
In his early appearances, he often appeared out of sync with the pace and physicality of the league, which was reflected in his output.
Although game time was limited, Semenyo did manage to make a notable impact by scoring his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 victory against Leeds United in front of a home crowd.
The goal was an important milestone, but it did not fully capture the struggles he faced in adapting to the system.
During this period, his decision-making seemed uncertain and he lacked the confidence to be as direct or decisive as he needed to be.
Whether it was holding onto the ball for too long or hesitating in key moments, it was clear that Semenyo required further development to improve his game.
His play appeared hesitant, showing flashes of potential but also indicating the need for more guidance and refinement, and, perhaps, a new system to work under.
These early performances reflected a player in need of polish, both in terms of confidence and tactical awareness, as he sought to establish himself at the top level of English football.
The breakout season
Semenyo’s transformation from his debut Premier League season to the last campaign has been remarkable.
In his second season, he evolved both physically and mentally, shedding his early uncertainty and emerging as a powerful, confident presence on the pitch.
It was evident from the first game that Semenyo had bulked up, using his superior strength to dominate defenders and assert himself in duels.
Beyond his physical development, the Ghanaian seemed to thrive in ‘Iraola ball’, which perfectly complemented his natural talents and direct running style.
Iraola’s tactical approach harnessed Semenyo’s strengths, refining his off-the-ball movement and pressing ability.
Semenyo quickly adapted, becoming integral to Bournemouth’s attack, and being almost undroppable.
His growth was reflected in his impressive stats last season, where he netted eight goals and provided two assists in 33 games.
Standout performances against the likes of Newcastle United and Luton Town, in a famous 4-3 Bournemouth win, cemented his status as one of the team’s key players.
Now, Semenyo is not only a regular starter but also a player fans expect to see on the team sheet one hour before kick-off.
Becoming a key player
This season, Semenyo has already netted three goals and added an assist in seven games, stepping up after Dominic Solanke’s departure.
With Bournemouth needing fresh attacking outlets, Semenyo has embraced his new role, offering creativity and a direct approach that has sparked key moments for the Cherries.
His performances have cemented him as a crucial figure for the team’s success.
With Semenyo fast becoming a rising star, fans will hope they can keep hold of a player who seems destined to shine even brighter on bigger stages.
This article was originally published by Vavel.com on 12 October 2024. Read the full article on Vavel.com
