Ola Aina vs Muñoz: 5 qualities Nigeria star offers Forest XI over Colombian

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina faces a battle to regain his place in Nottingham Forest’s starting XI as he competes with Colombian teammate Daniel Muñoz for a spot in the team.

Aina has been a regular starter for Forest since joining the club in 2023 and has continued to establish himself as an important member of the squad despite several managerial changes at the club.

However, the arrival of Muñoz and Oliver Glasner in the summer raised questions about Aina’s role this season. The 30-year-old started five of Forest’s first six Premier League games but has since been left on the bench for their last two league outings without playing a single minute.

Glasner has favoured Muñoz in his 3-4-2-1 formation, with the Colombian defender occupying the right wing-back position, where he has previously impressed during his time at Crystal Palace.

Despite this, Ola Aina still possesses several qualities that could help him win back his place in the starting XI. 

Why Ola Aina should start ahead of Muñoz in Forest’s XI

Although Muñoz offers more in terms of attacking output, Aina, who was heavily linked with a move to Everton in the summer, has several strengths that could make him a valuable option for Glasner. 

1. Better defensive awareness

Aina has shown stronger defensive awareness than Muñoz, especially when it comes to reading the game and intercepting opposition passes.

According to Sofascore, the Nigerian defender averages 1.0 interception per game, compared with Muñoz’s 0.3 and is more effective at anticipating danger and cutting out passes before opponents can turn them into attacking opportunities.

He also records 2.8 clearances per game, slightly more than Muñoz’s 2.3 and his ability to anticipate opponents’ movements and intervene before attacks develop could give Glasner an additional defensive option on the right side.

2. Greater success in one-on-one situations

Another area in which Aina has an advantage over Muñoz is his ability to compete in individual duels.

The Super Eagles defender wins an average of 5.0 ground duels per game, with a success rate of 58.1%. Muñoz, meanwhile, wins 2.9 ground duels per game at a success rate of 47.6%.

3. Ball-carrying ability

Aina also offers Forest an advantage when it comes to carrying the ball forward and beating opponents in one-on-one situations.

The Nigerian right-back averages 1.2 successful dribbles per game, with a success rate of 60%. Muñoz, by comparison, records just 0.1 successful dribbles per game, with a success rate of 14.3%.

Ola Aina’s ability to dribble past opponents can help Forest escape pressure, move possession up the pitch and create space for teammates in advanced areas.

4. Aina can also contribute in aerial battles

Aerial duels are one area in which Muñoz has the advantage over Aina, but the Super Eagles defender can also help the team in that aspect.

The Colombian wins an average of 2.1 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 55.6%, while Aina wins 1.0 per game, with a success rate of 50%. However, the Super Eagles right-back can still contribute when Forest need to defend crosses and deal with aerial threats. 

For Aina to strengthen his case for a starting role, he will need to continue making the most of these defensive qualities while looking to improve his effectiveness in aerial contests.

5. Aina is better at winning fouls

Aina’s ability to compete with opponents is also reflected in the number of fouls he wins.

The Super Eagles star averages 1.4 fouls won per game, compared with Muñoz’s 0.3 and has been more successful at drawing contact from opponents, potentially helping Forest win free-kicks and relieve pressure when they are struggling to move the ball out of their defensive half.

While Aina’s ball retention remains an area of concern as be loses possession 16.6 times per game, compared with Muñoz’s 8.6, these are areas where he can make improvements when given the opportunity.

Aina will be pushing for a start alongside Muñoz when Nottingham Forest face Brentford in their next match on Saturday, as they aim to record only their second Premier League win of the season.