Ainsley Mailand-Niles has been highly impressing the Gunners faithful ever-since taking up he starting right-wing back role after Hector Bellerin injury.
And TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino is being optimistic about What future holds for young Niles, claiming that the wide man could be the “next Gareth Bale”.
Gareth Bale kick-started his professional career as full-back on he left for Southampton, before his £5m move to Tottenham in 2007. And it was in North-London that the Welshman took Premier League by storm, earning himself a record breaking move to Real Madrid.
The Gunners did put in a solid performance in Naples winning 1-0, only second team after Juventus to beat Napoli in their fortress. And it was during that win – Cascarino was impressed with the youngster.
He wrote in his colum for The Times: “I saw the next Gareth Bale on Thursday — and he was wearing an Arsenal shirt. Sorry, Spurs fans.
“Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a full back who is not really a full back, just like Bale when he joined Tottenham in 2007.
“He has fierce pace and gets in great positions to score and create chances,” he added.
“He has improved hugely and has benefited from the injury to the first-choice right back Héctor Bellerín.
“He is more of a wing back but could easily play in midfield too.
“But after a few recent injuries, the worry is that his explosive style may make him injury-prone, like Bale.”
Maitland-Niles made 24 appearance this season. majority of which coming after Hector Bellerin got injured and Arsenal boss Unai Emery is pleased with his progress although warning him against resting his laurels.
Unai Emery said: “First you have to know that our level is a very big level and it requires young players to do a lot of work to show us they have the possibility to get in – and then hold one position at Arsenal.
“This process was done by Ainsley and it is continuing. But I demand from him not to stop – to do even more.”
