Nigerian defender Ola Aina has expressed his admiration for Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White, describing him as an "outstanding player" due to his current impressive form.
Gibbs-White has become a pivotal figure for Nottingham Forest in 2026, delivering strong performances that have significantly contributed to the team's progress in both domestic leagues and European competitions.
Since the beginning of this year, the England international has been instrumental, scoring ten goals and providing two assists in fifteen matches, placing him among the league's top performers statistically.
His impact has been felt strongly on the European stage as well, where he has scored crucial goals in Europa League knockout matches against Fenerbahçe and FC Porto, underscoring his importance to Forest's European campaign.
Reflecting on Gibbs-White's development during a pre-match press conference for Forest's Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa, Aina noted the midfielder's significant growth.
"He has definitely taken a step, a massive step, because you see what he's producing on the pitch," Aina stated. "It's fantastic to witness, and naturally, it's beneficial for him and the team, so everyone is proud of him. He's truly doing everything right."
Aina also commented on Gibbs-White's consistent character off the pitch, noting that "Morgan remains the same Morgan off the pitch, very friendly, very outgoing, very outspoken."
When asked to compare Gibbs-White's abilities to other elite players he has encountered during his career, including his time at Chelsea FC, Aina was clear in his assessment.
"Morgan has the potential to become a very top player. I don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on him, but he is the real deal," Aina affirmed.
"I enjoy playing with him. I know the fans enjoy watching him, and he's simply a fantastic player."
Aina, who has also been a regular for Forest in their European journey this season, featuring in seven matches and recording an assist, acknowledged the team's strong ambition for the Europa League.
With a semi-final tie against Aston Villa ahead, Nottingham Forest's aspirations for European glory remain high, with Gibbs-White at the forefront of their charge. His current form is not only elevating the team's play but also influencing match outcomes.
As Aina's comments suggest, Gibbs-White's rise has transitioned from potential to undeniable impact.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!