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Darren Bent has called upon Liverpool to pursue Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo, viewing the Ghanaian as the perfect long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
The winger has elevated his game to new heights this campaign, establishing himself among the Premier League's most potent attacking threats. Semenyo's tally stands at six goals and three assists across 11 outings so far this term, and several teams - including Liverpool - are now being linked with him.
A brace of those strikes came against Liverpool on the season's opening day, as Bournemouth temporarily drew level in proceedings. Semenyo embarked on a stunning solo run from deep before beating Alisson for one of his efforts.
Despite manager Andoni Iraola witnessing numerous departures during the summer transfer window, including Milos Kerkez's switch to Liverpool, he managed to keep hold of his Ghana international star. Reports suggest Semenyo possesses a £65 million ($85.5 million) release clause that becomes active during the opening fortnight of January.
Liverpool feature among the interested parties alongside Manchester United and Tottenham, who are all contemplating potential moves - though Bent believes Semenyo represents the ideal candidate to inherit Salah's mantle as the Reds must plan for the future.
The ex-striker said on talkSPORT: "He has exploded out of the traps this season, and he just looks really comfortable in himself.
"Every game you see him do something and you go, 'Oh my goodness'... he's one of those rare players, and I call players like this unstoppable. Gareth Bale was like that. When I talk about unstoppable, I'm talking about their attributes.
"When Bale started to move, you just couldn't stop him, and Semenyo is the same. Once he gets going, he's going past people, and he's gliding. What's good about him is that he can go both ways. I think he's got the full package.
"For so long now, Liverpool have been able to depend on Salah on that right-hand side, season upon season, and don't get me wrong, he's been one of the best players we've ever seen in this country.
"But the signs are that he potentially maybe is slowing down a fraction. Now, all of a sudden, you have to start addressing both sides."
The Cherries have succeeded in maintaining their position amongst the top four throughout much of this season, despite witnessing several key players make their exits.
Dean Huijsen's displays secured his transfer to Real Madrid, and Semenyo might be eager to challenge himself at such an elite level.
The Reds could provide him with that chance, while Bent suggests that the Bournemouth talent may consider himself equal to Manchester City's Jeremy Doku. "I think he [Semenyo] would go to Liverpool. I think he can get into any top, top squad," he added.
"You're still going to get more than enough minutes, but it depends on his ambition. His ambition might be, 'Get me to Manchester City, I'm better than Doku,' that might be his mindset."
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