Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest has been selected in the Premier League Team of the Week after a standout performance in their surprise 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
The Nigerian defender played a key role in Forest’s tenacious defence, assisting his team to their first league victory at the Merseyside stadium in 55 years.
Alan Shearer, a Premier League legend , was impressed by Aina’s disciplined performance and named him to his chosen XI for Game Week.
“Part of a fine defensive display from Forest, Aina kept the in-form Luis Diaz quiet, which is no mean feat,” Shearer remarked on the 26-year-old’s performance.
The former Chelsea youth product played the entire 90 minutes and was key in stopping Liverpool’s onslaught.
His most important contribution came in the first half, when he cleared a goal-bound attempt off the line, preventing Diaz.
Aina’s placement on the Team of the Week demonstrates the effectiveness of Nuno Espirito Santo’s flawless game plan.
The Portuguese tactician’s idea of defending in a low block and using pace on the counter-attack worked, with replacement Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring the winner. Forest’s Anfield heroics prompted Shearer to select two more defenders, Murillo and Alex Moreno, alongside Aina.
Elliot Anderson, a midfielder, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo were also selected for the team, which included players from seven different clubs.
Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez was named to the Team of the Week for his penalty save against AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt for his goal-scoring performance against Southampton, and Arsenal’s Gabriel for his defensive brilliance and set-piece threat.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins were recognized for their goal-scoring prowess.
As Forest maintains its unbeaten start to the season, Aina’s inclusion in the Team of the Week demonstrates his growing prominence in the Premier League and his contribution to Nottingham Forest’s defensive steadiness.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
