Aina credits Italian football for his defending skills

Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina, has said he really learned how to defend while playing for Torino in Italy's Serie A. This is according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Aina grew up in Chelsea's youth system and began his professional career there. In 2018, he joined Torino on loan because he wasn't getting enough playing time. The loan turned permanent a year later.

He played for Torino for two seasons. This time was key for Aina's growth as a defender, and he is now 29 years old.

“I am a defender, but I did not know how to defend when I was still at Chelsea,” Aina said.

“But when I went to Italy, I started learning how to defend. Before that, I was not defending; I was just there. But now I can defend.”

Before moving to Italy, Aina had already gone through Chelsea’s academy. He had also made a name for himself as a versatile full-back. Torino helped him understand more about what it means to be responsible defensively.

This is not surprising since Serie A is known as one of the toughest leagues in Europe. It has produced many top defenders, especially in the 2000s.

After his time at Torino, Aina came back to England. He joined Fulham before moving to Nottingham Forest in 2023 without a transfer fee.

He has become one of the most reliable defenders for Nottingham Forest and is an important player for the Super Eagles.

This season has been a mix for Aina. He has had to switch between playing as a right wing-back and a right centre-back under new coach Oliver Glasner. The manager has praised him while he adjusts to the new tactics. Still, Aina hopes to find his best form again for Nottingham Forest.