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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking to 888sport, former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has hailed Ainsley Maitland-Niles and revealed that the midfielder’s versatility is “priceless” to the team.
What did he say?
The Gunners academy product was predominantly used by Unai Emery as a right-back or a right wing-back last season following the long-term injury suffered by Hector Bellerin.
The Englishman has also previously played as a left-back and further forward in midfield and out wide, and his versatility was praised by Aliadiere.
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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.”
An unsung hero
For someone who remains only 21, Maitland-Niles has proven himself to be mature way beyond his years. The England U21 international has time and time again answered the call for the team, and put himself in difficult situations for the greater good.
He coped admirably in an unfamiliar right-back role last season, and did so with little complaint. There were very few occasions where Maitland-Niles came in for criticism, despite the shoddy state of the defence as a whole, and that is a credit to his performances and commitment to the cause.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that first-team regular Bellerin will miss the opening games of the Premier League campaign, and so it appears Maitland-Niles will once again have to fill in for his fellow teammate. As the Gunners’ leadership is questioned through captain Laurent Koscielny’s actions, one man whose heart cannot be debated is Maitland-Niles, and that is something to cherish.
