Nottingham Forest ace Ola Aina has picked a Newcastle United player as one of the toughest opponents in his career.
The defender has been sensational this season in a Nottingham Forest side that have defied the odds and challenged for Champions League football, but it looks like Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has gone a step too far with four games left in the season.
Defeat to Brentford on Thursday night means they missed the chance to move back up to third in the Premier League table, giving Newcastle United all the impetus they need to finish the season on a high.
Aina was praised by Pep Guardiola in March for his performance against Manchester City alongside former Newcastle man Elliot Anderson, who left the North East to help the Magpies recover from a heavy PSR deficit in 2024.
In a recent interview, Aina was asked about his toughest opponents. He responded by naming a Newcastle star who has caused so many problems for Forest in recent seasons.
Ola Aina praises Newcastle United star Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has been a problem for so many teams in the Premier League this season.
The Swede has found the net 22 times in the Premier League this season, his best attacking return since joining the Magpies for a club-record fee in 2022.
Newcastle are keen to keep hold of Isak next season after reports have claimed the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to sign him. However, Newcastle want around £150m for Isak this summer – a fee few clubs can afford.
Speaking to ESPN UK, Aina was asked for the three toughest forwards he has faced in his career. The 28-year-old named Isak alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Victor Osimhen. Aina played against the other two during his four-year spell at Torino between 2019 and 2023.
“Isak has got a bit of everything,” Aina said while explaining his decision.
“He’s not slow, got good technique, can shoot, can find a pass. He’s sharp, he’s up there.”
Newcastle United could sign Ola Aina this summer
The Magpies could be looking at one of the most transformative summer windows in their history, with Paul Mitchell tasked with finding players to help Newcastle in their European campaign next season.
In April, it was reported that Newcastle were interested in Aina, with the Nigerian international available on a free transfer this summer.
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A recent report claimed that Newcastle were set to open talks for the full-back in the coming weeks, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are keen on bringing him in on a free.
Eddie Howe loves versatility, and Aina has exactly that. He can play as a right-back, left-back or as a right midfielder if need be.
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