Iraola and the Semenyo Blueprint: Why Liverpool Believe in N'Guessan

Liverpool have officially secured the signing of Djylian N'Guessan from Saint-Étienne, a move that appears routine but conceals a bigger strategy: replicating Andoni Iraola's success in turning Antoine Semenyo into a Premier League-class winger. The pre-contract agreement was announced on September 4, just days after the summer transfer window closed, with N'Guessan set to join in January and immediately be loaned to Stade Brestois for the 2026/27 season.

This decision is inseparable from Iraola's track record during his time in charge of Bournemouth. Under his guidance, Semenyo, originally a central striker, transformed into a threat from both wings. In the 2024/25 season, Semenyo was used as a striker only once, but made 20 appearances on the left wing and 18 on the right wing, scoring 11 goals in total. That positional flexibility made it difficult for opposing defenses to anticipate his movement.

According to tactical observers, Iraola's success is not merely about positioning. There are two key factors: Semenyo's ability to use his right and left feet equally, and his high work ethic in pressing and tracking opponents. "Iraola wants to exploit Semenyo's two-footedness and his extraordinary work rate," said an analyst who follows Bournemouth's development. This approach then became a blueprint for other wingers in the squad, including Marcus Tavernier.

At Liverpool, Iraola inherits expensive players such as Bradley Barcola (valued at £123 million) and Rio Ngumoha, who are already accustomed to playing on both wings. However, to truly shine in Iraola's system, both need to increase their defensive intensity. This is what makes N'Guessan attractive: he has a profile similar to Semenyo, with two-footed ability, aggressive pressing, and game vision mature for his age.

European football observer Bence Bocsak assesses N'Guessan as "a profile similar to Eli Junior Kroupi" but with attributes reminiscent of Semenyo. "He is comfortable using both his left and right feet, making him hard to predict," Bocsak said. Meanwhile, Como scout Ben Mattinson highlighted N'Guessan's ability as a facilitator: "He drifts wide to find space or create space for teammates, his first touch is good, and his movement in the penalty box is intelligent."

"Semenyo's success is proof that positional transformation can produce a star player, as long as there is willingness and tactical fit," said a Premier League observer.

For Liverpool, the N'Guessan project is not merely a long-term investment. It is a bet that Iraola's formula can be applied to a young player with similar attributes. If successful, Liverpool will not only gain a sharp forward but also an asset whose value could soar like Semenyo's. Conversely, failure could call into question the effectiveness of Iraola's approach at a more competitive level.

In Indonesia, the stories of Semenyo and N'Guessan offer valuable lessons. Liga 1 clubs often force young players into one fixed position, even though flexibility and work ethic can be the key to breaking into the international market. Developing players like this requires patience and a long-term vision, not merely chasing instant results.

The question is, will Iraola find the next Semenyo at Anfield, or will N'Guessan prove that the Bournemouth blueprint can be adapted at the elite level? Time will tell, but Liverpool's move deserves attention as a new direction in youth recruitment.