Ola Aina hails Gibbs-White's 'massive step' to Premier League elite form
Ola Aina has praised Nottingham Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White as a 'fantastic player' following his outstanding 2026 form. The England international has delivered 10 goals and 2 assists in just 15 Premier League appearances this year, statistically placing him among the league's most in-form players. Gibbs-White has also stepped up in high-pressure UEFA Europa League matches, scoring decisive goals against Fenerbahçe and FC Porto to help Forest's continental ambitions.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Forest's Europa League semi-final clash with Aston Villa, Aina reflected on Gibbs-White's development since their early days together at the City Ground. 'Definitely he's taken a step, a massive step actually, because you see what he's producing on the football pitch,' Aina said. 'It's amazing to see and obviously it's good for himself, the team, so everyone's obviously proud of him.'
Aina, who previously played alongside top talent at Chelsea FC, described Gibbs-White as 'the real deal' with potential to be a 'very top player.' Beyond his on-field output, Aina highlighted Gibbs-White's consistent character off the pitch. With Forest's European ambitions intact and a semi-final against Aston Villa on the horizon, Gibbs-White's form is not just lifting performances but shaping outcomes for the club.