Arsene Wenger hopes Ainsley Maitland-Niles can nullify the threat of Mohamed Salah in Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at the Emirates.
Wenger chose to play 20-year-old Maitland-Niles ahead of summer signing Sead Kolasinac – and admitted his pace was a big factor behind the decision.
Maitland-Niles, who has been at Arsenal since 2003, has played 11 games for the Gunners this season – three coming in the Premier League.
Asked why he started Maitland-Niles against Jurgen Klopp’s side, Wenger told Sky Sports: ‘He has done well, his pace against Salah, who is quick and moves behind a lot so it’s important to be quick against him.
‘Obviously he has a lack of experience so there’s always a for and against. When you’re 20-years-old, you get your chance, you have to grab it. You have to go for it, that’s what you want for a player. You don’t make your debut at 25 as a top player.
‘When you get your chance, it’s part of your job, you have to grab it.’
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United and England defender, added: ‘It could be an extremely tough night for him, he’s not naturally a left-back.
‘Wenger has done it before, he trusts his players. But it’s a big, big ask.’
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