Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has included Nigerian defender Ola Aina in his English Premier League Team of the Season after the first 19 matches, highlighting the Super Eagles star’s stellar performances for Nottingham Forest.
Aina has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s surprising campaign, helping the club transition from last season’s relegation battle to genuine contenders for a top four finish.
The Tricky Trees have secured 11 wins, 4 draws, and just 4 losses, boasting the league’s third-best defense with only 19 goals conceded. This defensive record is bettered only by Liverpool (17) and Arsenal (16).
My #PremierLeague team of the season so far! pic.twitter.com/BnrLb5iova
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 31, 2024
The 28-year-old right-back has been a key figure in Forest’s success, starting all 19 league games and contributing two goals. His defensive stats are equally impressive: averaging 1.3 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 5.7 ball recoveries, and 2.6 clearances per game.
Aina’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester City reportedly considering a move for him in the upcoming transfer windows.
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Carragher’s selection places Aina alongside elite names in his best XI of the seasons so far. The lineup includes Nikola Milenkovic, Virgil Van Dijk, Antonee Robinson, Ryan Gravenberch, Moises Caicedo, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Matheus Cunha, and Chris Wood. Aina’s teammate Milenkovic also features, reflecting Forest’s solid defensive setup.
With six months remaining on his current contract, Aina’s consistent form could prompt Nottingham Forest to offer him an extension.
