Garth Crooks has implored Unai Emery to desist from limiting one of his players who looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
The BBC pundit is astonished as he seeks to know why Ainsley Maitland-Niles is being restricted to specific roles while also getting less playtime.
Having watched the performance of the 21-year-old in Arsenal's 2-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday, the former Spurs striker is of the view that he is one that should be freed to play.
“I’ve seen Ainsley Maitland-Niles play in big games before and struggle but not on this occasion,” Crooks told the BBC Sport site. “His performance against a leggy Manchester United showed signs of a player maturing nicely.
“He looked solid in defence and always very composed on the ball. I get the feeling that Unai Emery may have put the reins on this lad and possibly the blinkers too.”
Niles' composure on the ball is one feature that makes him a better option than Stephan Lichtsteiner who after the lengthy injury to Hector Bellerin appeared more in wing back.
He thrives more in defence but can also handle attacking midfield roles when called upon to do so.
It is high time the boss gave the lad the chance to play more often to enhance his development. The Arsenal Academy product has made only seven league starts this season.
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