'Monster' Antoine Semenyo tipped to rival Erling Haaland ahead of Man City clash
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott reckons that 'the whole world' is witnessing the pace and power of team-mate Antoine Semenyo ahead of their clash with Manchester City on Sunday
Antoine Semenyo is Bournemouth’s own “monster” to rival Erling Haaland, according to Alex Scott. The Cherries midfielder has claimed “the whole world” is now realising the talent of the Londoner before the clash of two Premier League goalscoring big beasts on Sunday.
Only the 6’4” Norway striker (11) has netted more top-flight goals than the 6’1” Ghana forward (six) going into this Premier League weekend. Semenyo’s explosive mix of pace and power has helped lift Bournemouth two points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side before they seek a first ever win at the Etihad Stadium.
And England under-21 star Scott is backing the former Bristol City striker and his in-form team-mates to outscore the £51million superstar on Sunday. “Antoine’s got everything,” he said. “Physically, he's a monster and that suits the Premier League to a tee.
“He can finish with both feet and he's on a different level, especially this season. He has started ridiculously well. Everyone here knew how good he was and how good he could be.
“And now the whole world is starting to realise how talented he is. It's a pleasure to play with him. I've seen him grow. I've known him for a good five-and-a-half years now and it's great to see he's really thriving.
“I am really proud of him and definitely happy for him. He's a great player and he's a great person as well.”
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Bournemouth arrive at City on an eight-match unbeaten run and Guernsey-born Scott believes that Semenyo’s crucial goes beyond goalscoring. “He's such a good outlet for us,” he said.
“You know that if you're in trouble, it’s find Antoine pretty much. He's almost a focal point where, when things are going wrong, we know we've got Antoine who can almost get us out of a bad situation, which he did at Fulham with the goal where we were 1-0 down and he just created something out of nothing. That gives us the extra boost to go on and win the game.”
Stopping the sensational Haaland seems to be the key to beating Manchester City. He has only failed to score in two games this season - against Tottenham in August and Aston Villa last time out - and Guardiola’s side lost both.
In six games against Bournemouth, the Norwegian has only scored once, back in 2023. “Don’t say that!” laughed the relaxed Scott, 22. Semenyo and Evanilson scored at the Vitality Stadium last November and Haaland did not as the Cherries ended City’s 32-match Premier League unbeaten run.
“Obviously Haaland has been unbelievable ever since he's come to England,” Scott added. “But we've got Antoine going the other way and other attackers in our team as well who can score and create chances. It's going to be one of those games, who's going to take their chances. And fingers crossed that will be Antoine and the rest of them up there.”
Scott won the U21 European Championhip with England last summer and hopes that the best form of his career this season can win a full call-up despite the “crazy” competition from players like his close friend, Elliott Anderson. For his club, “obviously Europe is the aim.”
Winning big games like away against City will help achieve both. “It's a challenge playing at the Etihad,” Scott stated. “But the way we're playing at the minute and the form we are in, we'll definitely go there and back ourselves and hopefully get the win.”
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