Semenyo names Aina among toughest defenders

 Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has named Nigeria’s Ola Aina among the toughest defenders he has faced in the English Premier League this season, alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking to Bleacher Report, the AFC Bournemouth forward highlighted the trio as formidable opponents who have made life difficult for him whenever his team faced them.

“Van Dijk was tough when we played them (against Liverpool) home and away. I think Udogie as well. He is a tough player to come up against. Ola Aina is also up there. I think those three,” Semenyo noted.

This recognition comes as no surprise given Aina’s exceptional defensive performances this season, which have seen him emerge as Europe’s top defensive ball-winner across the continent’s five major leagues, according to statistics from WhoScored.

The 28-year-old Nottingham Forest full-back has been a standout performer in the Premier League, playing over 2,500 minutes in all competitions and delivering his most impressive campaign yet at the top level.

“Aina has won the ball back in defensive areas a full 13 times more than any other player, putting Aina top of the list across the continent,” WhoScored stated in a report on Tuesday.

His defensive prowess has been instrumental in Forest’s solid backline, contributing significantly to goalkeeper Matz Sels’ 12 Premier League clean sheets—the highest in the division this season and the joint-most of Aina’s career.

The Super Eagles defender has also been a key disruptor in opposition attacks, leading the Forest squad with 30 interceptions in the 2024/25 season—a stat that places him joint-26th across the entire Premier League.

Aina’s ability to win duels and stop opponents was particularly evident in Forest’s recent 1-0 victory against Manchester City, where his crucial tackle on Omar Marmoush led to the game-winning goal for the Reds.

Facing City’s tricky winger Jérémy Doku, Aina showed exceptional defensive resilience, winning four ground duels, making three clearances, including two-headed clearances, and recovering the ball four times.

Semenyo, 25, has himself been in impressive form throughout the 2024/25 football season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists after making 27 appearances for Bournemouth.

The Ghanaian international’s standout performances have reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal, with the North London club considering a move for the forward in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Aina’s inclusion in Semenyo’s list further cements the Nigerian international’s status as one of the Premier League’s most formidable defenders, a reputation that continues to grow with each impressive performance for Nottingham Forest.