Super Eagles star Ola Aina continues to win plaudits even among supposed rivals
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed that Nigerian international Ola Aina is one of the toughest defenders he has faced in the English Premier League this season.
The AFC Bournemouth star placed the Nottingham Forest full-back in the same category as Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie.
Aina’s defensive brilliance earns respect from Semenyo
In an interview with Bleacher Report, Semenyo acknowledged that facing Aina, Van Dijk, and Udogie was no easy task.
The Ghanian winger was asked who his toughest opponents were, and he said, “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.”
His mention of Ola Aina is far from surprising. The 28-year-old Super Eagles defender has been in sensational form for Nottingham Forest this season, establishing himself as one of the best defensive ball-winners in Europe.
According to stat pros WhoScored, Aina has recovered possession in defensive areas 13 times more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.
Aina’s excellence helping historic Nottingham Forest season
The Super Eagles defender’s exceptional ability to break up play and neutralise attacking threats has been instrumental in Forest’s potentially historic season.
Aina has played over 2,500 minutes in all competitions this season, helping goalkeeper Matz Sels keep 12 clean sheets, the highest in the Premier League so far.
The Nigerian star’s contributions have helped Nottingham Forest enter the Premier League’s top four, putting them in a great position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1980.
Despite facing tough defenders like van Dijk and Aina, Semenyo has been in impressive form this season. The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward has racked up seven goals and four assists in 27 appearances for Bournemouth, catching the attention of top clubs in England
