Super Eagles star Ola Aina to Liverpool? 3 qualities that could win over Andoni Iraola

Liverpool’s 2025-26 campaign exposed a major weakness that repeatedly hurt the team in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions, Afrik-Foot reports.

Following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, the Reds struggled to find a reliable replacement capable of delivering both defensive security and attacking balance.

Jeremie Frimpong arrived with high expectations but found adapting to a traditional full-back role difficult. Injuries to Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez further complicated matters, forcing constant changes at right-back throughout the season.

The instability affected the entire team. Mohamed Salah often lacked support on the overlap, while central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, now departed to Real Madrid, were frequently left exposed when opponents targeted Liverpool’s right side.

As Liverpool prepare for another demanding season, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina could emerge as a player whose qualities directly address several of the problems that damaged the Reds’ campaign.

Liverpool: What Ola Aina could offer ravaged Reds

Defensive reliability in one-on-one situations

One of Liverpool’s biggest issues last season was defending wide areas. Opposing wingers repeatedly found success attacking down the right flank, especially during important matches when makeshift defenders were deployed out of position.

Aina’s greatest strength is his ability to handle one-on-one battles. The Nigeria international has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dependable defensive full-backs, regularly winning duels, making timely recoveries and reading danger before it develops.

His performances for Nottingham Forest during the just-concluded season, even in Europe, showed his ability to defend large spaces without requiring constant protection from midfielders. This quality would be particularly valuable for Liverpool, ahead of a campaign where the club will be without Salah for the first time in years.

With Aina behind any new signing in attack, Liverpool would gain a defender capable of shutting down dangerous wingers while reducing the need for additional cover from central midfield.

Exceptional versatility across multiple positions

Liverpool’s right-back crisis became worse because the squad lacked adaptable solutions when injuries struck.

Aina offers something few defenders in the Premier League can match: genuine versatility. Comfortable on either foot, he can operate at right-back, left-back, right wing-back or left wing-back without significantly changing his level of performance.

This flexibility would give Iraola valuable tactical options throughout a long season. If injuries affect either flank, Aina can switch positions seamlessly. If Liverpool need a more defensive setup against elite opposition, he can slot into a deeper role. If the team require greater width, he can play further forward as a wing-back.

Such adaptability would help Liverpool avoid the constant reshuffling that disrupted their defensive structure last season and forced several players into unfamiliar roles.

Calm ball progression under pressure

Replacing Alexander-Arnold’s creativity was always going to be difficult, but Liverpool’s problems were made worse by turnovers in dangerous areas that often led to counter-attacks.

Aina brings a different but equally useful quality. Rather than relying on ambitious long passes, he excels at carrying the ball through pressure and making intelligent decisions in possession.

The 29-year-old has developed into a composed distributor who rarely panics when pressed. His athleticism allows him to escape tight situations, while his passing accuracy helps maintain possession and control the tempo of matches.

This could be crucial for Liverpool. Instead of losing possession in risky areas, Aina’s measured approach would help the team progress the ball safely through the thirds. That would provide greater protection for Van Dijk and Konaté while giving Liverpool a stronger platform to launch attacks.

After a season defined by instability, injuries and tactical compromises, Aina’s combination of defensive strength, positional flexibility and composure on the ball makes him a profile well suited to solving one of Liverpool’s most pressing problems.