Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has identified Nigeria’s Ola Aina as one of the most challenging defenders he has encountered in the English Premier League this season. The AFC Bournemouth star also mentioned Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie as some of the toughest opponents he has faced, According to PUNCH Sports Extra.
During an interview with Bleacher Report, Semenyo acknowledged the trio’s defensive quality, emphasizing how difficult they made matches for him whenever he went up against them.
“Van Dijk was really tough when we played against Liverpool, both home and away. Udogie, too, is a strong competitor who makes things difficult. Ola Aina is definitely among the hardest defenders to face. Those three stand out for me,” Semenyo stated.
Aina’s inclusion on the list comes as no surprise, given his outstanding defensive displays this season. According to WhoScored, the Super Eagles full-back has emerged as the best ball-winner across Europe’s top five leagues, underscoring his influence in Nottingham Forest’s defensive setup.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Forest, clocking over 2,500 minutes across all competitions and delivering his most consistent performances at the highest level.
“Aina has reclaimed possession in defensive zones 13 times more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues, making him the continent’s best in that aspect,” WhoScored reported on Tuesday.
His defensive solidity has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s backline, playing a vital role in goalkeeper Matz Sels keeping 12 clean sheets in the Premier League this season—the highest tally in the division and the joint-most in Aina’s career.
Beyond his ball-winning ability, Aina has been a major disruptor in opposition attacks, leading Forest’s squad with 30 interceptions this season, a figure that places him joint-26th in the entire league.
One of his standout performances came in Forest’s 1-0 triumph over Manchester City, where his decisive tackle on Omar Marmoush set up the match-winning goal. Throughout that encounter, Aina neutralized the threat of Jérémy Doku, winning four ground duels, making three clearances—including two headed ones—and recovering possession four times.
Meanwhile, Semenyo, 25, has also had an impressive campaign for Bournemouth, registering seven goals and four assists in 27 league appearances. His consistent performances have reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal, with the Gunners eyeing a potential move for him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Aina’s recognition by Semenyo further highlights the Nigerian defender’s growing reputation in the Premier League, as he continues to establish himself as one of the most reliable and formidable defenders in England’s top flight.
