10 Reasons Antoine Semenyo is Ghana's Best Player Right Now Ahead of Kudus, Partey

10 Reasons Antoine Semenyo is Ghana's Best Player Right Now Ahead of Kudus, Partey

  • The debate about who is Ghana's best footballer right now is catching fire as Antoine Semenyo makes a big case
  • Challenges only seem to sharpen Semenyo, as seen in his Anfield masterclass after facing alleged racial abuse
  • Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey need to do a lot to cement their influence in their new clubs

Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!

Many football fans argue that Mohammed Kudus or Thomas Partey is Ghana’s best player at the moment. However, based on current form, Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth deserves that title.

The 25-year-old forward, who enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 season, has carried that form into the new campaign, off to a flying start in 2025/26 with 2 goals and 1 assist in his first two Premier League games.

Semenyo's stats, Semenyo's goals and assists, Premier League results, Ghanaian players abroad, Antoine Semenyo's current form
Antoine Semenyo. Image credit: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA
Source: Getty Images

Here are 10 compelling reasons why Semenyo is Ghana’s best player right now.

1. Semenyo's outstanding 2024/25 season stats

You can have an opinion, but you can’t bend the facts. According to Transfermarkt, Semenyo recorded 13 goals and 7 assists across all competitions last season for Bournemouth, making him the most prolific Ghanaian footballer in Europe.

Read also

7 reasons Semenyo is Ghana's best player right now, ahead of Kudus, Partey

This attacking return is impressive for a player who operates in multiple forward positions and often sacrifices his game for the team.

2. Semenyo's blistering start to 2025/26

He hasn’t slowed down this season. In just two Premier League games, Semenyo has already scored two goals and provided one assist, proving he is in elite form and ready to dominate.

His brace against Liverpool at Anfield on the EPL's opening day already ranks among the finest strikes of the campaign.

Subscribe to watch new videos

3. Consistency against big teams

Semenyo has delivered in the biggest matches. He has scored crucial goals against top-tier teams like Manchester United and Liverpool, demonstrating that he can perform on the grandest stages against the toughest opponents.

4. Semenyo's versatility in attack

Unlike many forwards who rely on one role, Semenyo can play as a winger, second striker, or centre forward. His adaptability makes him invaluable to Bournemouth and gives Ghana tactical flexibility. Left foot or right, he knows how to rattle the net from anywhere.

Read also

"It's important": Kudus reflects on representing the Black Stars ahead of FIFA 2026 WCQ

Subscribe to watch new videos

5. Physicality and work rate

At 1.78m with explosive strength, Semenyo uses his physical presence and pressing ability to trouble defenders. His relentless work rate makes him ideal for modern high-intensity football, a quality that recently earned him a new deal at Bournemouth.

6. Semenyo's improved finishing

Earlier in his career, critics questioned his composure in front of goal. Now, Semenyo has sharpened his finishing. Last season saw a marked improvement in his conversion rate, evident in his double-digit goals, though he must still replicate that with the Black Stars.

7. Big-game mentality

Goals against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United highlight his mental toughness. Rather than shrink under pressure, he excels. His stunning double at Anfield after an alleged racial abuse incident proves it.

Semenyo's stats, Semenyo's goals and assists, Semenyos scored against Liverpool, Semenyo's brace at Anfield
Antoine Semenyo celebrates his second goal against Liverpool at Anfield on August 15, 2025. Image credit: Michael Steele
Source: Getty Images

8. Growing influence for Ghana

While Kudus and Partey remain important, Semenyo’s recent form means he will likely be Ghana’s go-to forward in upcoming World Cup qualifiers and World Cup games. His ability to turn half-chances into goals can be decisive against Chad and Mali.

Read also

FIFA 2026 WCQ: Semenyo touches down in Ghana after Premier League masterclass vs Kudus

9. Semenyo is Bournemouth’s main man

Semenyo has become one of Bournemouth’s most reliable and influential players, often leading their attack. He’s no longer a squad player; he’s a star in one of the world’s toughest leagues, with Bournemouth slapping a huge price tag on the striker, according to The Sun.

Conversely, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey have only recently joined new clubs and still need time to cement their influence.

10. Continuous growth

At just 25, Semenyo is still improving. His progress over the past two years suggests he has not reached his peak yet. If he keeps developing at this rate, he could become one of the Premier League’s top forwards.

Subscribe to watch new videos

How Kudus can shine in the UCL

YEN.com.gh earlier featured 10 major reasons Mohammed Kudus can be the secret weapon for Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur side in this season's Champions League.

The League Phase draw was concluded on Thursday, and the spotlight is on the former Ajax and West Ham United playmaker.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh