IT HAS been a breakthrough season for Antoine Semenyo at AFC Bournemouth – so we have taken a look at the key numbers behind his rise.

As recently as the start of this season Semenyo was still describing himself as a striker, the position where he plays for his country, Ghana.

Eight goals from 33 Premier League games seemed a far cry at the end of last season, a January move from Championship side Bristol City not immediately setting the world alight.

But now he has become one of Cherries’ biggest threats – from out wide, troubling opposition defences throughout the Premier League.

In this series we will look at different members of Cherries’ squad this season, reflecting on their roles and performances, highlighting their strengths and looking what their futures may hold.

Now is the turn of a player who has proved to be a revelation in his first full top-flight campaign.

It was hard to make much of Semenyo’s 11 Premier League appearances under Gary O’Neil last term.

There was only two starts and 251 minutes for Semenyo, his limited gametime coming in a variety of positions.

It should be no surprise that the attacker only mustered three shots in his first 11 Premier League games, the second half of the 2022/23 season very much a bedding-in period following his January move.

This season, however, there has been no looking back. Given consistent gametime in a set position, Semenyo has been able to flourish.

Only Ryan Christie completed more successful dribbles than Semenyo’s 50 – no Cherry tried more than his 116 attempts to beat his man.

Unsurprisingly, Semenyo led the way in terms of entering the box with the ball, doing so 42 times.

Whilst Dominic Solanke took the most touches inside the area – and by some distance, Semenyo led the other wingers in the team with his 124 touches inside the opposition’s penalty box.

That begins to highlight how Cherries’ view Semenyo, as a focal point to bring into play to help the team up the pitch.

The winger received 188 progressive passes, passes that move the ball 10 yards or more up the pitch.

It has been a frequent sight this season of Semenyo taking down a high ball with ease, before driving forward and helping his side take up threatening positions.

Out of players that have played the equivalent of 20 full games or more in the Premier League this season, Semenyo was the most proficient in the Cherries side at getting his shots on target.

No player averaged more shots on target per 90 minutes, and only Solanke tried his luck with an effort more than Semenyo (70).

Key attacking outlet

Comparing Semenyo to Solanke reveals an interesting trend.

Cherries’ leading striker tried his luck at far-closer range, his efforts on average 12.2 yards away from goal, whilst Semenyo’s shots came in and around the edge of the box, his shots taken from an average distance of 17.8 yards.

This is not uncommon for Cherries’ wide players. Justin Kluivert and David Brooks were both in the 17-yard region, whilst Marcus Tavernier liked to try his luck from even further back, an average distance of 20 yards for the former Middlesbrough man.

A third of Semenyo’s efforts came from outside the box, exemplifying a strand of Iraola’s footballing philosophy.

The Basque boss has spoken about how his side must show variety in their attacks, drawing inspiration from basketball.

A basketballer that only shoots from three-point range will quickly find their opportunities from far out limited by the opposition; a player that can only score by driving to the basket also easily dealt with.

Likewise, Cherries’ attacks are varied in such a way that leaves them slightly unpredictable.

Semenyo's trademark move

Bournemouth Echo: Antoine Semenyo scored twice to help Cherries turn around a 3-0 deficit

Not that being predictable leads to being easy to stop.

Semenyo has proven that this term, quickly coming up with a signature move.

The Bristol City academy graduate will cut in from the wing before firing a powerful effort on the edge of the area, opposition players aware of this threat but still often powerless to stop them.

It is no surprise that five of his goals are concentrated on his frequent entry point into the box.

Once Semenyo has found room to operate, the striker will lash a strike – often to the opposite corner of the goal, across his body.

But there is still variation to his efforts – defenders do not know which foot the striker will use.

His eight Premier League goals are perfectly split – four scored with his left foot, four scored with his right foot.

Such ambidexterity is rare, even amongst top-flight strikers.

Standout stats

There was one category where Semenyo stood out – the striker-cum-winger outperforming his expected goals (xG) by some distance.

The Ghanaian international scored eight times, with his xG total predicting 4.6 goals this term.

Compared to other wingers in the Premier League, we can begin to see Semenyo’s profile – and why he is such a good fit for Iraola’s Bournemouth.

With such a direct attacking style, it is clear to see why Iraola highly-rates Semenyo, but his defensive work rate stands out amongst peers in the Premier League.

Whilst Semenyo’s numbers will be naturally helped by Cherries’ high press, the winger still has to put in the hard yards to win the ball back via blocks, recoveries, and tackles.

Area for improvement

So what room is there for improvement?

Compared to other wingers, both in the league at large and at Cherries, Semenyo’s crossing ability leaves a bit to be desired.

He also lags behind in terms of assists and chances created, highlighting a lack of creativity that needs improved numbers.

However, as evidenced above, Semenyo brings so much to the side already – so it is hard to knock his lack of assists.