Ola Aina Named Europe’s Top Defensive Ball-Winner

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has emerged as the best ball-winner in defensive areas across Europe’s top five leagues, according to statistics from WhoScored.

The 28-year-old full-back has been a standout performer for Forest this season, playing over 2,500 minutes in all competitions and delivering his most impressive campaign yet at the top level.

“Aina has won the ball back in defensive areas a full 13 times more than any other player, putting Aina top of the list across the continent,” the club stated in a report on Tuesday.

His defensive dominance has been instrumental in Forest’s solid backline, contributing significantly to goalkeeper Matz Sels’ 12 Premier League clean sheets—the highest in the division this season and the joint-most of Aina’s career.

“The 28-year-old’s defensive prowess has helped Matz Sels to 12 Premier League clean sheets this season, the most in the division, and the joint-most of the full-back’s career to date,” the club noted.

The cloud added that Aina has also been a key disruptor in opposition attacks, leading the Forest squad with 30 interceptions in 2024/25—a stat that places him joint-26th across the entire Premier League.

“In addition, the 28-year-old had made 30 interceptions in 2024/25, the most in the Forest squad and the joint-26th most across the Premier League,” the statement added.

Aina’s ability to win duels and stop opponents was evident in Forest’s recent 1-0 victory against Manchester City, where his crucial tackle on Omar Marmoush led to the game-winning goal.

“Indeed, his tackle on Omar Marmoush against Manchester City on Saturday put the ball back in the Reds’ possession to go and net the winner against the champions,” the club highlighted.

Facing City’s Jérémy Doku, Aina showed defensive resilience, winning four ground duels, making three clearances, including two-headed clearances, and recovering the ball four times.

“On Saturday, Aina won four ground duels against Jérémy Doku, who he lined up against from the start at The City Ground, making three clearances, two-headed clearances, and four-ball recoveries against City,” the club revealed.