Ola Aina is one of the more experienced figures in the Nottingham Forest squad, making the right back a key voice of experience in the dressing room.
Aina signed a new Forest contract over the off-season to secure his future at the City Ground for three more seasons, a relief for Reds fans after his contract had previously been a concern.
The Nigerian international was set to enter the final year of his contract, prompting interest from abroad as Besiktas eyed a move for Aina, a rumour thankfully put to bed by the new deal.
His future now sorted, Aina has clearly taken his role as a senior figure to the next level, offering support to two of the younger members of the Forest squad.
Ola Aina discusses leadership role within Nottingham Forest squad
The squad has been somewhat rocked over recent weeks due to Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential move to Tottenham, with the midfield talisman attracting attention during crucial stages of preparation ahead of the new season.
In these moments, the calm head of a dressing room leader is particularly important and, speaking on Forest’s YouTube channel, Aina revealed that his influence has been specifically beneficial to Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva.
He said: “I feel like, as I’m getting older, especially in this group, I’m starting to help the young ones like Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Jota.”
Hudson-Odoi and Aina are close friends so it’s no surprise to hear that the former Chelsea winger has been taking advice from the right-back.
However, it’s perhaps a surprise to hear Aina specifically mention Jota as one who has been benefiting from his leadership, especially given that the Portuguese winger could well be on the move this summer.
Jota Silva could leave Nottingham Forest this summer
Currently, Jota is crucial to Nuno Espírito Santo as he is the only senior right winger left at the club after Anthony Elanga’s switch to Newcastle United.
However, once reinforcements have arrived, the Portuguese wide man will return to a backup role in the team, one that has seen interested sides consider a move for him.
Sporting have an interest in Jota and are said to be preparing a loan offer for the winger, a deal that wouldn’t necessarily interest Evangelos Marinakis, who would be looking to make a profit on a sale if he’s to depart with Jota.
Aina is evidently happy at Forest, having found a football home, but he’s no stranger to being on the fringes of a squad, so perhaps his experience could help Jota come to the right decision on his next steps.
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