Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo name Drogba and Henry as role models
English-born Ghanaian attacker Antoine Semenyo has revealed that former English Premier League stars Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry are the players he tries to model his football around.
The Bristol City attacker has been in blistering form in the English championship and was Player of the Month for January.
Semenyo is versatile and can play in the middle and on the flanks. The 22-year-old reveals Drogba and Henry inspire his style.
“In terms of my link-up play I loved watching (Didier) Drogba,” he told Sky Sports. “For running in behind Thierry Henry. They are the perfect examples of both. Drogba’s link-up play was unreal, and with Henry’s pace and power, he literally had everything. I try to model the two sides of my game around them.
“In terms of who I’m a bit closer to in terms of my game I’d say Drogba. He could play into feet and run in behind and dribble too. It’s probably a little bit more like me.”
The Ghana Football Association are in talks with the lanky forward to convince him to play for the Black Stars.
Drogba may be one of the few players blessed with being cited as idols. Chelsea Malang Sarr has also cited the Ivorian International as his role model.
The Chelsea defender revealed that he used to look up to Blues legend Didier Drogba when he was younger, playing as a striker during his youth.
The 22-year-old has found an increase in game time at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, being relied upon by Thomas Tuchel as he started the last four matches.
Speaking to Chelsea’s Fifth Stand App, Sarr admitted he used to look up to Blues hero Drogba as a youngster in France.
“Back in the day I was playing as a striker, so I was really looking at the strikers. Thierry Henry was a big thing in France. I was looking at Chelsea too, Didier Drogba was the main guy for us.
“He was an African player, doing some great, great things for the club. Growing up, I started playing at the back and looking at Italian defenders, Paolo Maldini, people like that and tried to learn from them.”
Sarr will be looking to follow in Drogba’s footsteps at Chelsea as the Ivorian lifted several titles, including an iconic first Champions League back in 2012.
The defender has proved his worth to Tuchel and has admitted that he is happy to be involved at the club following a spell on the sideline.
Speaking after the Blues’ recent loss at Man City, Sarr admitted it feels good to be at the club.
“I can feel it, it’s good to feel it . But I cannot think about it at the moment, we need to be good and to perform. That’s high level. I need to bring this level, play hard and be the best I can.” he said.
