- Ola Aina has faced some of the toughest teams in the Premier League and has now revealed which side gave him the hardest challenge
- Aina praised Arsenal’s intricate passing game, stating their ability to manipulate space and keep defenders guessing
- With Forest sitting third in the table, Aina’s performances could see him land a big move before his contract expires in 2025
Since returning to the English Premier League, Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has had his fair share of battles with the league’s best.
The 28-year-old, who signed for Nottingham Forest from Torino in the summer of 2023, has become a key player for the club, helping them move to an impressive third place in the table.
Aina’s consistent performances have made him a fan favourite at the City Ground, as he has played over 50 games, scoring three goals and providing two assists while operating in multiple defensive positions.
With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, the Nigerian full-back has already caught the attention of clubs like Manchester City and Turkish giants Galatasaray.
In a recent interview, Aina shared insights into his toughest challenges in England’s top-flight, comparing three of the Premier League’s most dominant teams, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal,
“They are both very direct but in different ways. Liverpool gets to the penalty area with two or three passes. It’s like playing basketball, you’re constantly running up and down the pitch," Aina stated.
He then explained Arsenal’s playing style, describing it as deceptively difficult to deal with,
“Arsenal look like they’re just passing to each other, but it’s all very deliberate in terms of finding depth. The Gunners are also very difficult to follow because of their constant changing positions on the pitch.”
Interestingly, Aina ranked Manchester City as the easiest of the three to play against, citing their patient buildup play,
“It is easier against City because you can breathe. They move from one side to the other, they pass the ball, and they are very patient. That is the biggest difference.”
However, when asked to name his toughest opponent, Aina had a clear answer,
“For me personally? The hardest is against Arsenal. The games against them feel like very long days in the office,” he admitted.
With Nottingham Forest sitting third in the Premier League table, Aina’s impact has been crucial, and with top clubs circling, his future remains one to watch closely.
“I’m just happy I got one today,” Nigeria’s Aina elated after helping Forest beat Brentford
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigerian defender Ola Aina shone once again as his early strike set Nottingham Forest on course for a stunning 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday, December 21.
The win marked Forest’s third consecutive victory, pushing them momentarily to fourth place in the Premier League table, just two points below Arsenal.
