Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has heaped praise on one of Arsenal’s youngsters – by tipping them to have a great future at the Emirates Stadium.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles made 30 appearances last year for Unai Emery’s side, mainly deputising for the injured Hector Bellerin at right-back, despite being listed as a midfielder by the club’s website.
But his versatility was just one of the qualities that Aliadiere spoke highly of in an interview with 888sport, and has backed the 21-year-old to have another big season for the Gunners with few arrivals so far in this summer’s transfer window.
He said: “I rate Maitland-Niles really highly. With injuries last season, it’s been tough for him on that level but he’s got all the attributes to become a top player.
“I think this season could be really big for him because it looks like Arsenal doesn’t have a lot of money to spend so I’m sure they will be counting on him.
“I like the fact that he’s so versatile and technically he’s very good and confident on the ball. The fact that Maitland-Niles can play anywhere makes him priceless to the team.”
Maitland-Niles has played in a variety of positions since breaking into the first team at Arsenal (as shown on Transfermarkt), playing in central midfield in addition to wide areas on either flank – while former boss Arsene Wenger has previously highlighted defensive-midfield as his best position.
The youngster opened his Gunners goalscoring account in bittersweet circumstances last season, scoring the opener in Liverpool’s 5-1 demolition of Arsenal just after Christmas, before following up with a crucial goal as they hauled back a two-goal deficit against Rennes in the Europa League.
With Bellerin on the comeback trail, Maitland-Niles may have to work his way into the team as he did last year, after suffering a small fracture to his leg on the opening day of the season.
But after being shown trust by Unai Emery to protect the Arsenal right (ahead of decorated full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner) upon his comeback, the array of talents and versatility that Aliadiere alludes to could certainly give the midfielder plenty of opportunities to stake a claim for a first-team spot – wherever that may be on the pitch – despite the impending return of Bellerin.
Arsenal fans, do you agree with Aliadiere? Let us know by commenting below!
