One Thing Antoine Semenyo Does That Defenders Hate in the Premier League
- Antoine Semenyo is turning defenders into nightmares with one deadly trait, and it’s not just his goals
- From Bournemouth to Manchester City, a key Semenyo quality is leaving Premier League defenders scrambling
- The Manchester City attacker has become one of Pep Guardiola's most crucial players amid the EPL title chase
In-form forward Antoine Semenyo has rapidly become one of the Premier League's most dangerous attackers.
Since his breakthrough at AFC Bournemouth and subsequent move to Manchester City in January 2026, the Ghanaian forward has consistently impressed with his pace, finishing, and tactical intelligence.
Source: Getty Images
But what truly separates Semenyo from other forwards is one particular trait that gives defenders nightmares: his unpredictability with both feet and his direct, relentless attacking style.
This combination allows him to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly impossible situations, making him a constant threat in the final third.
According to Opta, defenders hate trying to contain Semenyo. Unlike many strikers who favour one foot, he can strike effectively with either left or right, making it nearly impossible for opponents to force him onto a weaker side.
Source: Getty Images
This ambidexterity means that defenders cannot rely on conventional strategies like cutting off a dominant foot or predicting his direction.
On top of that, Semenyo’s directness, his willingness to attack immediately once he receives the ball, forces defenders to react quickly and often leaves them scrambling.
Combined with his low centre of gravity and explosive pace, these qualities ensure that defenders are always one step behind, giving Semenyo the edge to either shoot, dribble past, or create chances for teammates.
Semenyo's dual-footed brilliance
Semenyo himself has admitted that he isn’t sure which foot is stronger, and this dual-footed ability has proven invaluable in high-pressure situations, as SportsWorldGhana covered in October 2025.
According to the City attacker, he can cut inside from either wing, take shots from various angles, and execute precise passes while on the move.
Semenyo's directness and explosive pace
Beyond his ambidexterity, Semenyo’s attacking style relies heavily on direct runs into space, as Opta featured in October last year. He wastes no time with unnecessary touches, instead driving at defenders immediately.
This approach allows him to break defensive lines, create separation, and maintain a high tempo in attack.
Opta statistical analysis shows that he ranks among the Premier League’s top ball carriers, frequently making long progressive runs that force opposing defenses to scramble.
For Semenyo, it is not just about running. He has numbers to show. This season, the Black Stars forward has registered 15 goals and six assists across 31 matches in all competitions for both Bournemouth and Manchester City, according to Transfermarkt.
In a demanding and high-tempo league like the Premier League, defenders prepare meticulously for every threat, but players like Semenyo redefine what it means to be hard to stop.
Semenyo get ready for World Cup
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo headlines a list of five Black Stars players who seem untouchable as Otto Addo prepares his Ghana squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The list also featured some popular names, with the Ghana national team player selection process expected to be keen.
Source: YEN.com.gh
