เมตแลนด์-ไนล์ส ชื่นชม เชอร์กี ปีกของลียง และเชื่อว่าเขามีศักยภาพสูง พร้อมทั้งแนะว่าต้องพัฒนาผลงานให้ต่อเนื่อง เพื่อเพิ่มโอกาสและความสำเร็จในอนาคต
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a key figure at Lyon, praises his young teammate, Rayan Cherki, as the "best natural talent" he's ever seen. Cherki, 21, has become a standout player for Lyon under manager Paulo Fonseca, helping to rejuvenate the team. As Lyon prepares to face Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final, Cherki’s impressive record of nine goals and 18 assists in 36 games this season makes him a player to watch. He ranks high in creating chances and completing dribbles in Ligue 1, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Maitland-Niles, formerly of Arsenal, reflects on his transition from the Premier League to Lyon. He describes the move as an opportunity to experience a new environment and receive the support he needed to thrive. Despite being an Arsenal fan and having cherished moments with the club, such as winning the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta, Maitland-Niles is content with his current role at Lyon and sees it as a significant opportunity in his career.
Looking forward to the match against Manchester United, Maitland-Niles emphasizes Lyon's rich history and ambition to reach the Champions League. He acknowledges United's quality, led by players like Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen, but asserts that Lyon will approach the game with confidence and determination. The first-leg match at Lyon's Groupama Stadium is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, with Lyon aiming to make a strong impression against the English side.
Maitland-Niles also touches on his time at Roma, where he won the Conference League under José Mourinho. He describes Mourinho as a memorable and influential figure in his career, sharing experiences and insights that have left a lasting impact. Looking ahead, Maitland-Niles is focused on helping Lyon succeed and expresses excitement about the prospect of playing the second leg at Old Trafford, appreciating the chance to return to England and face Manchester United on their home turf.