Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has praised Ainsley Maitland-Niles in Football.London.
Arteta has been impressed with Maitland-Niles’s attitude, and has said that it has improved during the lockdown period.
The Arsenal head coach has added that the 22-year-old, who is a very versatile footballer and can operate as a midfielder, winger, full-back or wing-back, can become an important figure in his team.
Arteta told Football.London about Maitland-Niles: “[His attitude is] Much better. We discussed that during the lockdown and he’s changed a lot of things, a lot of positive things.
”He’s a really honest kid as well, we know him from the academy and the way he has developed here. He has all the attributes and qualities to become a really important player, it’s up to him.”
Stats
According to WhoScored, Maitland-Niles has made 14 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season, providing two assists in the process.
The 22-year-old has also made four starts and two substitute appearances in the Europa League this campaign, according to WhoScored.
During the 2018-19 campaign, the youngster scored one goal and provided one assist in 16 league games, and scored one goal and provided two assists in 10 Europa League matches, according to WhoScored.
Arsenal stay?
Arteta’s comments suggest that he rates Maitland-Niles highly, and perhaps the 22-year-old does have a future at Arsenal.
A report in The Sun this month claimed that the Gunners are willing to sell the youngster if they get £20 million in transfer fees.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
