Arsenal star Noni Madueke has named Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina as his toughest opponent during a recent revealing interview.
Aina signed for Forest in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer from Torino. In his first season, he proved himself as a quality left-back, and for the last two seasons, he’s been the first choice at right-back.
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The Nigerian has been sorely missed by Forest this season when he’s been out with a hamstring problem, and his return has allowed both Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira to use last season’s back four.
Now, Madueke has heaped praise on the player, suggesting that he’s the toughest opponent that he’s come across in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina tries to keep the ball in play against Arsenal
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Noni Madueke gives Ola Aina ‘flowers’ for his efforts against him
In a recent interview for TNT Sports, Madueke was asked to name his toughest full-back opponent in the Premier League and he picked out Forest star Aina.
He said on the player: “I’m going to give someone their flowers here. I’m going to give Ola Aina his flowers.
“I’ve played against him a few times; he’s quick, he’s good on the ball, he’s always tough, mad strong too.”
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Aina was in the Forest team on Sunday as Liverpool won 1-0 in the 97th minute, with Madueke a regular in the Gunners team, who are currently chasing the Premier League title.
How Noni Madueke performed against Ola Aina this season
Recently, Arsenal took on Forest at the City Ground, and Aina didn’t get the chance to go up against Madueke until the 56th minute when Mikel Arteta introduced the former Chelsea man from the bench.
During that game, Madueke did make two successful dribbles against Aina, according to Who Scored, with the Nigerian returning the favour by making two clearances up against him.
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Madueke didn’t really come up against Aina last season during the final day of the season showdown for a Champions League game against Chelsea.
On that occasion, Madueke was on the right for Chelsea and subsequently came up against Neco Williams instead, with the Blues running out 1-0 winners.
It’s quite telling that one of the division’s top wingers has highlighted Aina’s quality and he’s one player who Forest would have no chance of keeping should they be relegated this season.
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