Farke can silence Semenyo by unleashing “colossal” Leeds star

da leao： Leeds United’s form at the start of the 2025/26 campaign has been impressive. Daniel Farke’s side are not in the relegation zone at the start of the season, and the early signs are positive. In fact, ESPN journalist Ryan O’Hanlon said the Whites have “played quite well” at the start of the campaign.

da esoccer bet： Critically, the Yorkshire-based side have defended well. According to Understat, seven sides have conceded more than their seven goals. On top of that, their expected goals against tally of 6.42 xGA is 10th best in the English top flight.

The Whites will certainly have to be on their A game defensively against Bournemouth on Saturday. They have the unenviable task of keeping Antoine Semenyo quiet.

Why Leeds must stop Semenyo

There is little doubt that stopping Semenyo this weekend at Elland Road will go a long way to helping Leeds reduce Bournemouth’s attacking threat. At the start of the season, the winger was described as “one of the best players in the league” by BBC Sport tactics correspondent Umir Irfan.

That is certainly a fair assessment of the winger, who has shown just how much of a threat he can be to sides. The Ghanaian international already has three goals and two assists, including a brace at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

The Whites have already been on the receiving end of a Semenyo goal, too. Scoring against Leeds is certainly not an unfamiliar feeling for the winger, who bagged against them back in 2022/23 for the Cherries. That is one of two appearances he made against the club, with the other coming for Bristol City in 2018/19.

One of the things Leeds must be most cautious of when coming up against the forward is his deadly ball-carrying skills. The winger averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes this season, to go along with his threat in the final third.

It will certainly be important for Leeds to stop the Cherries attacker on Saturday. Indeed, Farke could adjust his starting lineup to play someone who might be better at coping with the winger.

The Leeds star who can help silence Semenyo

Leeds are looking to maintain what is, so far, a strong defensive record. That is certainly something that will help keep them in the top flight this season. Bournemouth’s attacking threat from the likes of Semenyo will challenge that.

However, Farke may well decide to turn to James Justin to help keep the Ghanaian attacker at bay. The former Leicester City full-back was one of Leeds’ summer signings, joining from the Foxes for a fee of £10m including add-ons.

The England international has not played many minutes for the Whites so far. He’s featured twice in the Premier League, playing just 17 minutes in that time. He is match fit, though, having started Leicester’s first two Championship games this season.

He could certainly be a good candidate to start at Elland Road, in a bid to silence Semenyo. Justin is now a vastly experienced player, having played 101 times in the Premier League for Leicester and Leeds.

Not only will he bring experience to Farke’s side when going up against Semenyo, but he is also a more than competent defender. The full-back has put up some impressive numbers over the past few Premier League seasons with Leicester. For example, in 2019/20, he averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions and won an average of 2 aerial duels.

Justin key defensive stats for Leicester in PL

Season

Tackles & interceptions

Aerial duels won

2019/20

4.2

2

2020/21

4

1.1

2021/22

2.5

1.2

2022/23

2.5

1.7

2024/25

3.2

2.1

Stats from Sofascore

Justin’s task on Saturday afternoon is clear: stop Semenyo. He poses a huge threat to Leeds going forward, with his impact in the final third and direct dribbling ability. Should Farke give Justin the nod, he possesses the talent and experience to help stop the winger.

As Statman Dave said, the defender is a “colossal” figure at the back. Leeds would need to see that in action if he was to start against Semenyo.