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Ola Aina sparks fury picking Ashley Cole as Premier League’s GOAT fullback, snubbing Neville, Irwin. Fans slam his football knowledge, claim he ignores pre-2010 history.
Super Eagles star Ola Aina has ignited a firestorm of criticism after boldly crowning Ashley Cole as the Premier League’s greatest fullback on the Daily Mail’s Knockout podcast, triggering a heated debate that has fans questioning his football acumen.
The Nottingham Forest defender’s controversial selections, which snubbed several Manchester United and Arsenal legends, have sparked accusations of historical ignorance and bias, with social media ablaze over his picks.
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09:09 - 08.05.2025
Super Eagles star Ndidi names three African players that has impressed him in the EPL this season
Nigerian star Wilfred Ndidi shared his admiration for the performances of three African players in the Premier League this season.
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15:01 - 06.05.2025
Top-five dream alive? Ola Aina speaks out after Forest’s draw at Palace
Following Monday's draw against Crystal Palace, Ola Aina shared his thoughts on Nottingham Forest's quest for Champions League qualification.
During the segment, Aina faced a series of head-to-head choices among Premier League fullback icons.
He first picked Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold over Manchester United’s Gary Neville, then favoured Manchester City’s Kyle Walker over Arsenal’s Lee Dixon.
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Aina continued by choosing Liverpool’s Andy Robertson over United’s Denis Irwin and Chelsea’s Ashley Cole over Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta.
In the semifinals, he selected Alexander-Arnold over Walker and Cole over Robertson, ultimately declaring Cole the undisputed greatest fullback.
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While Aina’s nod to Cole, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal and Chelsea, resonated with some, his dismissals of Neville, Irwin, and Dixon drew fierce backlash.
Fans on X erupted, with one fuming, “Clearly knows nothing about football before 2010,” while another jabbed, “He doesn’t know who Denis Irwin is.”
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Critics argued Aina overlooked Irwin’s seven Premier League titles and Neville’s eight, questioning his credibility as a 28-year-old who debuted in 2016.
Despite the uproar, Aina’s impressive season, two goals and an assist in 30 appearances for Forest, has solidified his reputation as a top fullback.
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Yet, his polarising picks have cast a shadow, with fans demanding he brush up on Premier League history.
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