Danny Murphy has raved about Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles in The Daily Mail.
The former Liverpool and England international midfielder has said that the 23-year-old Arsenal player is one “for the big occasion”.
Murphy, who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport, has pointed at the performances of the 23-year-old versatile England international – who can operate as a midfielder, full-back or wing-back – against Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Manchester City and Chelsea in recent months.
The pundit has said that he would not be worried about Maitland-Niles playing left-back or wing-back in the final of a European Championship, as England prepare to face Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.
The former England international wrote in The Daily Mail: “If you told me Ainsley Maitland-Niles would have to play left-back or wing-back in the Euro 2020 final, it wouldn’t worry me because I saw his performances at the end of last season.
“He kept Mo Salah quiet and helped Arsenal beat Manchester City and then Chelsea to win the FA Cup at Wembley.
“He’s a player for the big occasion: cool on the ball and doesn’t mind using his left foot higher up the pitch. He defends better one-on-one than people give him credit for. So England’s left-sided problem is not as serious as we once thought.”
Bright future ahead
Maitland-Niles is progressing well under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, and given his versatility, he is a boon to both the Gunners and England.
The 23-year-old has made two appearances for the Three Lions, and if he continues to play well for Arsenal, then he could secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship next summer.
According to WhoScored, Maitland-Niles has made two starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
