Antoine Semenyo’s rise in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. The Ghanaian forward has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s impressive season, but his journey to becoming a key player wasn’t always smooth.

In 2022, a shin injury sidelined Semenyo for months, a setback that could have derailed his progress. But instead of dwelling on the frustration, he turned to two of football’s greatest strikers for inspiration—Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry.

“It was actually one of the assistant coaches at Bristol City who suggested I should be watching clips of my idols,” Semenyo shared in an interview with Premier League TV. “He also recommended Breel Embolo because he felt our play styles were similar.”

With months away from the pitch, Semenyo immersed himself in studying movement, heading, and footwork, dissecting every aspect of Drogba and Henry’s game.

That dedication is now paying off. Since his €10.3 million move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in January 2023, Semenyo has developed into a vital player for the Cherries. This season, he has recorded 10 goal contributions, playing a crucial role in their push for a European spot.

With elite clubs monitoring his progress, Semenyo’s story serves as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of learning from the greats.