Versatile Super Eagles defender Olaoluwa Aina has picked his toughest ever Premier League opponents between Liverpool, Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City, Footynaija.com reports.
Aina has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in the English top-flight this season. The 28-year-old right-back has featured in all 28 of the Reds’ league games as they look to secure a top four finish against all odds.
Aina is into his second season at City Ground after arriving from Torino for free in the summer of 2023. Across his 51 appearances for the Tricky Trees, the Nigeria international has faced tough tests against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and City.
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Speaking in a recent interview on the Inside Scoop Podcast, Aina made some comparisons between the style of play peculiar to these Premier League heavyweights before settling on the Gunners as his toughest opponents.
“They are both very direct but in different ways. Liverpool gets to the penalty area with two or three passes. It’s like playing basketball, you’re constantly running up and down the pitch,” Aina said.
“Arsenal look like they’re just passing to each other, but it’s all very deliberate in terms of finding depth. The Gunners are also very difficult to follow because of their constant changing positions on the pitch.
“It is easier against City because you can breathe. They move from one side to the other, they pass the ball, and they are very patient. That is the biggest difference.
“For me personally? The hardest is against Arsenal. The games against them feel like very long days in the office.”
