“They weren’t easy to overcome” – West Ham-linked Super Eagles star shines in preseason win over Mlada Boleslav

Il Toro secured their first positive result of the preseason with a straightforward victory over the Czech Republic side

Nigerian defender Ola Aina is pleased with his performance in Torino’s 2-0 friendly win over Mlada Boleslav at the WIMTECH-Arena in Perg, Austria.
Torino lost their first match of preseason 3-1 to Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt five days ago.

But Il Toro bounced back from the defeat to soar past Czech Republic first division club Mlada Boleslav on Tuesday, July 19.

Saša Lukić’s header handed Torino a first-half lead before Aina came off the bench to replace Mërgim Vojvoda at the interval.

Looking physically fit and mobile, Aina was a relentless force down the right flank as Torino kept the opponents’ attackers at bay.

And deep in stoppage time, young Hungarian midfielder Krisztofer Horváth added a deserving second for the Italian side.

While Aina continues to be linked with a move to West Ham, the Super Eagles fullback is focused on physically preparing for the challenges ahead.

“I’m fine physically; the team is getting into shape: we’re all fine,” the former Chelsea defender said at the end of the Mlada Boleslav match.

“We played well: they weren’t easy to overcome, that’s why the result remained 1-0 for a long time. We held the pitch well and managed to score the second goal.

They pressed very well, a bit like us, and made life difficult for us defenders to set up the action, but in the end, we took home the result.”

Torino were at the end of a 3-1 lashing in the hands of Frankfurt last Friday. Aina, however, believes Torino are improving physically and building teamwork under the strict eyes of manager Ivan Juric.

“Compared to Eintracht, I would say yes,” Aina agrees Torino are improving.

“Frankfurt were a tougher opponent than Mlada Boleslav, but we are getting into shape and are getting used to playing together again after the break.

“The preseason training is very difficult, the coach is tough and demanding and pushed us on the pitch, but then the results are visible.”

With their match against Al Wahda cancelled, Torino will next meet Turkish Super Lig champions Trabzonspor Sportplatz Langau in Kitzbühel, Austria.