Ola Aina Shines as He Makes Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week

Ola Aina's journey back from injury has culminated in a significant achievement, as the Nottingham Forest defender was selected for Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week following the conclusion of Matchday 23 on Monday night.

Deeney's selection featured Patrick Dorgu, the Danish international of Nigerian descent, but Aina's inclusion carries a deeper significance; it signifies resilience, recovery, and re-establishment of his standing in the top-tier football competition.

Aina's resurgence comes months after he was sidelined due to fitness concerns that prevented him from participating in Nigeria's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The right-back faced challenges, enduring a frustrating period on the bench, missing 16 consecutive Premier League games due to a hamstring injury he sustained shortly into a World Cup qualifier against South Africa last September.

Having regained his fitness, Aina has featured prominently in Nottingham Forest’s last four league outings, asserting himself as a fundamental part of Sean Dyche’s defensive strategy.

In Forest’s recent 2-0 victory against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, Aina showcased his defensive prowess. Although goals from Igor Jesus and Super Eagles colleague Taiwo Awoniyi secured the win, Aina’s steadfast defensive display was particularly impressive.

He played a crucial role in securing consecutive clean sheets for Forest for the first time this season, demonstrating his tactical awareness and physical readiness. Statistics from the match highlighted his contributions: three interceptions (joint highest in the match), five clearances, and a blocked shot. Against a Brentford side known for their ability to drive crosses into the box, Aina excelled in aerial duels and one-on-one situations, effectively neutralizing threats from the opposition.

Deeney expressed high praise for Aina, highlighting his comprehensive performance. "This Brentford team is famous for delivering crosses in wide areas. I thought he was superb at defending the far post during Forest’s 2-0 win, clearing everything that came his way. He also contributed effectively in the attack,” Deeney remarked.

This endorsement underscores Aina’s transformation from merely overcoming injury to asserting himself in the Premier League.

Deeney’s Team of the Week predominantly featured players from Aston Villa, the division's current form leaders, who contributed four players: Emiliano Martínez, Ian Maatsen, Youri Tielemans, and Emiliano Buendía. Other selections included: Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Jorge Cuenca (Fulham), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest), Estêvão Willian (Chelsea), and Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest).

Aina’s inclusion signifies Nottingham Forest's stable performance, with the defender central to their strategy. This recognition extends beyond a single match – it heralds a turning point for Aina, affirming that his struggles with injury and disappointing international appearances have not been in vain.

After being in the shadows for months, Aina is back competing and earning respect. If this momentum continues, both Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team will soon recall just how indispensable a fit Ola Aina can be.