Destined for the top: Antoine Semenyo shows he can be the present and the future for Bristol City He could have a bigger say than you might expect this season, and beyond When you witness Antoine Semenyo in full flow it is plain to see why the likes of Chelsea were interested in the teenager a matter of months ago. Gladly, Bristol City staved off that high-level interest and tied the 19-year-old down to a new four-year deal earlier this summer. It could be one of the best signings they ever make. While Lee Johnson was understandably desperate to bring in a proven Championship goalscorer in the transfer window, he has one in the making in Semenyo. Indeed, should he match or surpass his potential he will be scoring goals in the Premier League, Champions League and on the international stage for years to come. The sparse group of spectators who were present for Bristol City U23's fine win over Barnsley on Tuesday afternoon will attest to that. Against a number of opponents who are still his seniors, Semenyo demonstrated his development with an imperious display - evidence that U23 level is already below his station. The first glimpse of his talent came after 18 minutes as he turned his man in midfield and played a slide-rule pass into his strike partner Sammie Szmodics. Having released the ball he didn't rest on his laurels, instead sprinting into the penalty area to get onto the end of whatever Szmodics could produce. His effort may have rolled wide, but the desire and energy drew loud applause from the sparsely populated stands. That same combination would prove fruitful just minutes later, as Semenyo found Szmodics in acres of space in the left channel again. This time the no.10 calmly went on his own and curled it over the goalkeeper. It was in the second period that Semenyo really came into his own, though - a sole assist on this outing clearly insufficient for the hungry youngster. ee Johnson reveals Bristol City face six weeks without key defender Tomas Kalas Two minutes after the restart he spurned a glorious chance as he somehow fired over from a Niclas Eliasson cross from just yards out, but he showed the mental strength to bounce back literally a minute later. Szmodics returned the favour and slipped the 19-year-old in on the left flank. He lifted his head and delivered an unerring, unstoppable left-footed blast into the roof of the net. Cue more loud applause, oohs, ahs and cheers. That goal seemed to instil the kind of level-headed swagger in the youngster that you only see in the very best players when they are on the winning side and bang in form, dictating the pace of the game and taking his time. First, he angled a nonchalant volley towards goal that cannoned off the bar, then he produced a dazzling turn in midfield before sliding a wonderful through ball into the path of Szmodics, who was flagged offside as he bore down on goal. He supplemented those moments with flicks, tricks and a general calmness on the ball. His ability to drift effortlessly past defender as though they aren't there is already disconcerting. Perched up in the stands, Lee Johnson will have been delighted by the prospect's display; Semenyo demonstrated all the attributes that make for a top, top striker. Speaking ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough, Johnson said: "I thought he was brilliant in the second half of that game. I think Semenyo outside the boxes is top, I really do. "One that personally I'm really excited about and the football club should be really excited about moving forward." Not only has he added a quality Championship forward to his squad in Benik Afobe, but he has one in the making in Semenyo. If he can emulate this performance in the Championship he will soon be ahead of Famara Diedhiou the pecking order. Longer-term, it is no exaggeration to say that the sky is the limit for this young talent and the Ashton Gate faithful will be fortunate to witness his rise. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport...ristol-city-antoine-semenyo-prospects-3259813
This is a different player too the one i watched last season,hopefully training has improved him. As said looked way off the pace and disinterested when he did play. Fingers crossed he is learning and learning fast.
But we all know you haven't got a clue. He only made 4 appearances last season. In one of those he changed the game when he came on against Preston and how many disinterested players would have been diving in and making that tackle that got him sent off against Derby
Don't get me wrong there must be something in there,Chelsea don't come sniffing if he does not have anything about him.I really hope he comes good for us.Just not seen it so far.
I saw it at Preston last season, a star was borne that day in my eyes, another Andrew Cole in the making.
I bet he’s glad he’s got fans like you to judge him on. Mourinho and Chelsea haven’t got a clue compared to you. Apart from the Leeds game, which wasn’t his fault I could see he’s got something about him and prepared to give him time. Unlike you, the elite village idiot
I must admit I’ve not been very impressed so far personally. The only significant contribution I’ve seen from him was getting himself sent off vs Derby last season. However, all the experts and pundits can’t be wrong - and LJ knows his players, so perhaps I just caught him on an off day.
Hopefully he has turned the corner and goes on too be one hell of a player. Rod got the blinkers on again must be that Welsh cider
Like you that’s all I’ve seen of him, I thought there were signs of a very good player, if anything he tried too hard, the lunge was daft , but not as bad as it looked , he took the ball, the player made a meal of it. It wasn’t half as bad as a tackle a Derby player did in the first half and as far as I remember we didn’t even get a foul , or if we did their player wasn’t even booked.
On me? I’m still in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I am being assessed tomorrow to see if I can go home tomorrow or any time soon. It’s been the hardest personal journey I’ve ever undertaken but I’m getting there. I can walk short distances unaided now and went up some ‘test’ stairs today in preparation for going home. My biggest problem are my wounds. They are stitched up now, but their very location (VERY sensitive areas around my abdomen) makes sitting impossible and going to the toilet absolute agony. This is something I simply have to deal with as there is no alternative. The Hospital has given me 2 months more until I’m fully recovered, so I have set myself a personal goal of 1 month. I won’t be pulling on my football boots any time soon though - my thigh and calf muscles (my best features!!) were the first to go and my legs are now like 2 little white sticks, so it will take time to build them back up. I will do it though - I’m determined. Thanks for your concerns - night after night in a hospital bed makes me appreciate my online community and I’ve been keeping an eye on what is going on from here. I might be watching City vs Boro at home from my Swindon bedroom on Saturday!!!!
Good on you R&W, small steps but just make sure they're all in the right direction, keep it up mate ( Courage I'm on about. )
diet and regular exercise will see you ok! if they say2 months go for 6 week target! I managed a 2hour 20 min walk yesterday with a 10kg rucksack! my "timetable says" at week 4 [day 24] you should increase walk to 40mins per day or 2 x 20 min, [ after week 6 is max 3miles daily ] ..…. been off crutch's now for almost 2 weeks scar is not a big long 10" hard lump, but getting softer! I over did exercises about 6 days ago.. quadrupled them [12 different positions], and did a 50 min walk ...........My head told me … calm down it is not a race … it didn't feel right/good!
Good to hear you are both on the road to recovery. Good luck for tomorrow R&W, Fingers crossed you be watching from your own bed Saturday. I’m sure we’ve all had our health issues over the years, From my own experience it does get better, although it may take a while and at times seem never ending.
good luck mate. stay strong and patient, sounds like you have good people around you and that's half the battle,and don't be too proud to let them help you when you need it,
