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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina overlooked Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah while picking the best player in the Premier League. The Nigeria international went with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, citing his consistency as a reason.
Former Chelsea man Aina has been a standout performer for Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest this season, helping them get to the top four in the league. The 28-year-old has faced most of the leading names this season, and singled out Saka as the best.
Ola Aina made the comment on the FILTHYFELLAS podcast, praising the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and Mohamed Salah before naming the Arsenal man as his pick. The audience in the studio was left stunned by his choice but he doubled down and put it down to his goalscoring and consistency. He said (via Metro):
"I think he (Rodri) is a sick player. He’s sick and he makes City tick, everyone can see it and he’s won his Ballon d’Or and whatever. But to say the best player in the Premier League… he just does it every game, every game… Saka.
"Yeah, Mo Salah is up there, he’s up there! That’s [Saka] one player when I came off the pitch at the Emirates… Mo Salah, fair play, he does he thing, he does his thing. But let’s be honest here, bro, Saka is scoring, he’s doing a mad ting, bro. I played him last season because I was playing left-back and he was a tough opponent. And I’m not just saying that because I know him."
Bukayo Saka has been in terrific form this season, scoring five goals and providing ten assists in 17 league games. The 23-year-old has also contributed four goals and two assists in the UEFA Champions League this season
Saka is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn hamstring against Crystal Palace on Saturday, December 21.
Rodri joined exclusive Premier League group with Ballon d'Or win
After winning the Ballon d'Or in October this year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri became part of an exclusive Premier League group. The Spain international beat Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to the prestigious award.
Rodri became the first player in the Premier League to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. He also became only the third player to receive the Ballon d'Or award while playing in the Premier League after Ronaldo and Michael Owen.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was hugely important to his club and national team in 2024. He helped City win an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title while being named the Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024.
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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava