Martin Keown has given his take on Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles on Stadium Astro.
The Arsenal legend believes that Maitland-Niles – who can operate as a midfielder, winger, full-back or wing-back – has added more urgency to his game.
The former England international central defender believes that the 22-year-old is “really talented” and believes that he is starting to come into his own now.
Keown made the comments about the English youngster while looking ahead to the FA Cup tie between Arsenal and Manchester City on Saturday evening.
The Englishman has also suggested that Real Madrid-owned midfielder Daniel Ceballos should start against City, and has raved about Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Keown said on Stadium Astro: “I do think that Maitland-Niles is really talented. He just gives you the feeling that sometimes he is never in a rush, doesn’t do things maybe quick enough, but recently when he has come on, he has more urgency in his game, so I can see a player starting to emerge.”
The Arsenal legend said about Ceballos: “Ceballos has to come back in. He has been the best midfielder.”
Keown added about Martinez: “The young goalkeeper since Leno has been injured has been absolutely excellent, and that’s been a real plus for Arsenal.”
Promising youngster
Maitland-Niles is a very talented and promising young player who can and will get better in the coming years.
The 22-year-old’s versatility is a boon for Arsenal, and perhaps next season, he will play more regularly and establish himself as a key figure in head coach Mikel Arteta’s team.
Meanwhile, Le10 Sport has claimed that Juventus have been in touch with representatives of Alexandre Lacazette and with Arsenal, with the France international forward open to making a switch to the Italian giants.
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