Ola Aina: Torino spell taught Nottingham Forest defender how to defend

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina says his move to Torino was the moment he truly learned how to defend, according to Soccernet.ng.

Aina came through the Chelsea academy and began his professional career at the club, but limited first-team opportunities led to a loan move to Torino in 2018. The transfer was made permanent a year later.

The 29-year-old spent two seasons with the Serie A side, an experience that significantly shaped his development. Aina has explained that playing in Italy gave him a deeper understanding of the defensive demands of his position and exposed him to aspects of the game he had not previously encountered.

Although he had already developed into a versatile full-back at Chelsea, his time at Torino helped him build a stronger appreciation of his responsibilities without the ball. His comments highlight the extent to which his game changed during his spell in Serie A.

Italian football’s reputation for producing outstanding defenders, particularly during the 2000s, made Torino an important environment for that development. The league is also regarded as one of the most physical in Europe, providing Aina with a demanding test as he adapted to a different style of football.

Aina’s career after Torino

Aina returned to England after leaving Torino and joined Fulham before signing for Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2023.

He has since become one of Nottingham Forest’s most reliable defenders and an important member of the Super Eagles squad. His game combines strength in one-on-one situations with confidence in possession, while he is also capable of beating opponents with his dribbling.

Had he not already committed his international future to Nigeria, Aina might have had a chance of being included in the England squad, given his development and performances.

His own club campaign has been less settled this season, however. Under new coach Oliver Glasner, the Chelsea academy product has been required to switch between right wing-back and right centre-back.

Aina is yet to fully adapt to the tactical demands of those changing roles, but he will be aiming to rediscover his best form and become a consistently influential player for Nottingham Forest once again.