Ola Aina has praised his Nottingham Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White for what he described as an exceptional season, as the club prepares for a crucial European fixture.
Forest face Aston Villa in an important Europa League tie, with both sides seeking progression to what would be a historic stage. Despite a sizeable gap between them in the Premier League standings, the contest is expected to be closely fought.
Gibbs-White has emerged as one of Forest’s standout performers during a campaign that has otherwise been marked by inconsistency. The attacking midfielder has contributed 16 goals and six assists in 49 appearances, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking play.
Forest had entered the season with high expectations following a strong previous campaign and an active transfer window. However, results have fluctuated, prompting a period of adjustment under new head coach Vitor Pereira. Recent performances suggest a degree of stability is returning.
Amid those ups and downs, Gibbs-White’s influence has remained constant. His displays have attracted reported interest from several leading English clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite that, Forest are understood to be determined to retain the player, who recently signed a contract extension that still has two years to run.
Speaking ahead of the European encounter, Aina highlighted both the midfielder’s development and his personality within the squad.
”He’s definitely taken a massive step forward. You see what he’s producing on the pitch and it’s amazing to see; it’s good for him and the team,” Aina said.
“Off the pitch, Morgan’s still the same Morgan—very friendly and outgoing.”
The Nigeria international also spoke about Gibbs-White’s potential, suggesting his current form could be a sign of greater things to come.
“”Morgan has the potential to be a top, top player. I don’t want to put any pressure on him, but he’s the real deal. I love playing with him, and I know the fans enjoy watching him. He’s just a fantastic player.””
Both players are expected to play key roles against Villa, with Forest aiming to secure progression over two legs. Victory would see them reach their first European final, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
As the match approaches, much of the focus will remain on Gibbs-White, whose performances continue to draw attention both domestically and beyond.
