Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo lit up Anfield with a dazzling performance for AFC Bournemouth, earning plaudits from Liverpool legend Steve McManaman despite his side’s 4-2 defeat in their Premier League opener.

Liverpool looked in full control in the first half, as new signing Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock before Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage to give Jürgen Klopp’s men a comfortable 2-0 cushion at the break.

But the script flipped after halftime. Semenyo spearheaded Bournemouth’s fightback, showcasing his blistering pace and power to score in the 64th and 76th minutes, dragging the Cherries back to level terms at 2-2 and silencing the Kop in the process.

The Reds, however, struck back immediately through Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, sealing a hard-fought 4-2 win.

Post-match, McManaman singled out Semenyo for special praise and hinted that Liverpool may have missed a trick in not securing his signature.
“Antoine Semenyo ran 50 yards to score that goal after signing a long-term contract,” McManaman told Premier League Productions. “He is strong, dangerous, and built for the Premier League. For me, he should be playing for clubs like Liverpool. He was linked to Anfield this summer before Salah extended his deal.”

With two goals already to his name, Semenyo will be brimming with confidence when Bournemouth welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, August 23.