Maitland-Niles is a better right-back than Bellerin, not surprised he (reportedly) wants to leave. Can’t get a game despite HB’s recent hall of shame performances v. Villa, City & that 1st half v. Leeds.

AMN’s faster, better 1v1, defends 2v1 situations better, better in duels (aerially & on the ground). Better on the ball, worse passer than Bellerin, better at making overlapping runs, (Bellerin better at underlap). Better crosser, HB better at cutbacks. It’s really not close.

Forgot to mention. AMN better in every phase on the pitch, better in build-up (more agile), better inverted because he’s naturally a midfielder & better in the final third. Pépé has played better when partnered with AMN. Fact. HB can’t stop a cross coming in to save his life.

Should be a goal every time, without fail. He made an incredible incredible run & pass to make that chance for Saka, but can’t do the basics like putting Pépé & Willock in on a 2v1 here. Can’t stop a cross from coming in either. Unacceptable.

‘AMN can’t attack’, seems to be the consensus. Here’s AMN making a high IQ run down the FBs blindside while bending it to stay onside:

AMN leaving his man standing 1v1 & delivering a pinpoint cross:

Another key contribution in the EL KO rounds:

Individual brilliance to recover the ball & deliver another pinpoint cross for a match-winning assist:

Footballing excellence. Each touch is meaningful & efficient. Grabbed an assist v. Napoli, assist v. Valencia, goal v. Rennes in that EL KO run. Good for a RB that can’t attack, no?