Expert analyses Liverpool’s potential move for ‘very good’ £65m star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Reported Interest in Antoine Semenyo: A Solution or a Band-Aid?

Liverpool’s attack has evolved significantly under Arne Slot, but as with all teams, there are still areas where improvement is needed. Michael Reid, a data analyst who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, shared his thoughts on whether Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo could be the answer to some of Liverpool’s current issues, particularly in the pressing game. While Reid acknowledges the strengths Semenyo could bring, his assessment suggests that the solution may not be as clear-cut as it initially seems.

Pressing Power: A Missing Ingredient

Reid points out that one of Semenyo’s key attributes is his pressing ability. According to Reid, “The one thing that he can offer to Liverpool’s current attack is his pressing ability. Bournemouth’s pressing numbers are phenomenal.” This is an area where Liverpool’s attack has arguably been lacking, particularly in comparison to other teams. While players like Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah contribute defensively, their pressing efforts do not consistently match the intensity required to disrupt opposition defences in the way some of the Premier League’s top players do.

Semenyo’s work ethic and pressing abilities would bring a dynamic shift to Liverpool’s attack. Reid elaborates, stating, “Maybe he can bring that work-rate that our attack lacks. Ekitike is a very hard worker and Wirtz covers a lot of ground, but Semenyo would offer more pressing than what Gakpo and Salah does.” This could complement the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and the others who have been working tirelessly to press higher up the pitch. For Slot, Semenyo could potentially offer a higher level of pressing consistency, which could help increase Liverpool’s intensity both defensively and offensively.

Tackling Midfield and Full-Back Problems

However, as Reid continues, Semenyo’s arrival would not address the bigger issues currently plaguing Liverpool’s side. “But he doesn’t help a lot of the major problems like the midfield being open, or the full-backs being able to push forward,” Reid notes. Liverpool’s midfield balance and the role of the full-backs are two critical areas where Liverpool still need to improve. While Semenyo could bring more energy to the attack, the club’s midfield remains exposed at times, especially when the team transitions from attack to defence.

Moreover, the full-backs, who are so crucial to Liverpool’s system, would not see a direct benefit from Semenyo’s presence. Slot’s system relies on wide players and overlapping full-backs to provide width, but unless the midfield can offer better protection, the full-backs may still struggle to get forward freely. While Semenyo may make Liverpool more aggressive in pressing, it is unclear whether he would provide enough of an all-around solution to the team’s systemic weaknesses.

Photo: IMAGO

A £65m Gamble

The £65m release clause in Semenyo’s contract at Bournemouth adds an interesting twist to the conversation. Given his performances this season, which have seen him contribute goals and assists at an impressive rate—only Erling Haaland has more goal contributions in the Premier League—Semenyo certainly looks like a player on the rise. Reid acknowledges his potential, commenting, “I think he is a fantastic player and £65m would be a very good deal for him and he’s home-grown, which is something we lack.”

Liverpool’s reliance on homegrown players, especially in light of their current squad composition, makes Semenyo a viable option. His signing would meet the club’s criteria for fulfilling homegrown player quotas, which could play a pivotal role in any transfer decision-making. With the Premier League’s homegrown talent pool becoming increasingly valuable, Semenyo’s youth and versatility could make him an attractive long-term investment for the club.

A Valuable Addition, but Not the Fix

While Semenyo’s energy, work rate, and pressing ability would undeniably add something to Liverpool’s attack, Reid’s analysis suggests he would not be the answer to the club’s deeper issues. “I can see both sides of it, but he wouldn’t solve any of the major problems really,” Reid concludes. It seems that while Semenyo could enhance Liverpool’s pressing game and provide additional depth, he would not single-handedly address the tactical challenges currently facing Slot’s side.

With the January transfer window approaching, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool push for Semenyo. While he may not fix everything, his signing could still provide much-needed intensity to a team looking to get back to its best.