Martin Keown raved about Ainsley Maitland-Niles on BT Sport 2 (10:04pm, December 3, 2020).
The Arsenal legend was impressed by the display produced by Maitland-Niles during the Gunners’ 4-1 win against Rapid Vienna at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Keown believes that the 23-year-old – who can operate as a right-back or central midfielder and has come through the Arsenal academy – can still get better.
The Englishman said about Ainsley Maitland-Niles on BT Sport 2 (10:04pm, December 3, 2020): “Maitland-Niles is another player that impressed me tonight, I have to say. It looked so easy for him. He has got other gears to go through.”
Keown added: “Maitland-Niles was very impressive.”
How did Ainsley Maitland-Niles play against Rapid Vienna?
Maitland-Niles played in central midfield, and the 23-year-old had one of his best games of the season.
The youngster drove the team from midfield, showed a lot of pace, provided an assist, and demonstrated what he is capable of if played in his preferred position.
According to WhoScored, the England international took two shots, played two key passes, had a pass accuracy of 83%, won two headers, took 59 touches, and made two clearances.
So far this season, the 23-year-old has made two starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League and has played four times in the Europa League for Arsenal, according to WhoScored.
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