Ola Aina: A Statistical Giant at Forest

Securing Ola Aina on a three-year deal is undoubtedly a stellar move for Nottingham Forest, signaling more than just an average contract renewal. Having transitioned seamlessly from the Chelsea academy to become an indispensable part of Nuno Espirito Santo's setup, Aina's influence is both broad and highly impactful.

Dominating the Air and More

Diving into Aina's statistics, his prowess is immediately evident, especially when compared to his Premier League counterparts. Using percentile rankings, which measure a player's performance in various metrics against others in the same positional group, Aina's excellence is unmistakable.

Standing tall in the 90th percentile for aerial duels, Aina is a titan in airborne challenges. This not only bolsters Forest's defensive resilience but also enhances their set-piece strategies, both offensive and defensive. His skill set is a rare find among full-backs, and it's a statistic that twinkles with promise, especially considering Forest’s ambitions to consolidate their standing in the premier hierarchy.

Ground Efficiency and Attacking Flair

On the turf, Aina is equally formidable. His ball recovery stats are sky-high, positioning him again in the upper echelons of Premier League defenders. This ability isn't just about defensive solidity; it's a critical component of Forest's counter-attacking potency, allowing them to transition swiftly and dangerously after regaining possession.

Furthermore, Aina's clearance metrics sit comfortably in the 75th percentile, showcasing his adeptness at dissipating threats and making crucial interventions. While his shots blocked may not be his standout statistic, it nonetheless underscores his dedication to the defensive cause—vital for a team that, even as league leaders, often contends with sustained periods of opposition pressure.

European Prospects and Future Ambitions

Aina’s ability to drive forward and open up the pitch is another feather in his cap, offering tactical flexibility and width in attack. As Forest looks towards European competition next season, Aina's dynamic play will be crucial in facing a variety of tactical setups.

After decades, the return of European football to the City Ground is a thrilling prospect, and ensuring talents like Aina are secured underscores Forest's long-term ambitions and commitment to success on all fronts.

Conclusion

Clearly, Aina is not just any player; he's a full-back deeply integral to Forest’s philosophy and future plans. With stats like these, it's no wonder the excitement around his contract renewal is palpable.

And to wrap up with a bit of humour aimed at our dear rivals: Why did the Derby County supporter bring a ladder to the match? Because they're always trying to climb out of Forest's shadow!