Maitland-Niles, Cherki, Lyon, best natural talent
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has shared dressing rooms with some of English football’s biggest modern names—Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Yet, according to the former Arsenal man, none of them possess the “best natural talent” he’s ever seen. That honour, he says, belongs to Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
It’s high praise, but not unearned. Cherki, still just 21, is arguably enjoying his most complete season yet as he drives a revitalised Lyon side into the business end of the Europa League. On Thursday night, the French club host Manchester United in the first leg of a much-anticipated quarter-final clash, and all eyes will be on the dazzling winger Maitland-Niles believes is already world-class.
A Talent Too Bright to Miss
“He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” Maitland-Niles told BBC Sport this week. “An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”
Cherki’s numbers this season back up that assertion: 9 goals, 18 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. But it’s not just the stats—it’s the style. From electric solo runs to audacious nutmegs and defence-splitting passes, Cherki has become Lyon’s difference-maker.
His highlight reel grows by the week. There was the solo dribble against Rangers that led to a goal for Malick Fofana. The cross-field vision to find Georges Mikautadze against PSG. It’s showmanship with substance, a rare mix in today’s game.
“He’s a genius,” Maitland-Niles continues. “He’s taking chances, providing assists, dragging us up the pitch—nutmegging defenders for fun.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Across Europe’s top five leagues, only Bruno Fernandes, Raphinha, and Joshua Kimmich have created more chances than Cherki’s 103 this season. In Ligue 1, he’s second only to PSG’s Desire Doue for completed dribbles (74 to Doue’s 79). It’s elite company—and a reflection of Cherki’s ever-expanding influence.
Maitland-Niles, now teammates with the French wonderkid, has seen him up close in training too.
“He’s two-footed, fearless, and relentless. His finesse is something else. And what’s most impressive is that he’s added work off the ball this season—that’s taken him to another level.”
Ainsley’s Journey: From Arsenal to Lyon
Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ own career has taken a winding route, one full of highs and heartbreaks. Once seen as a cornerstone for Arsenal’s future, the versatile defender-midfielder played in a Europa League final, won an FA Cup, and earned five England caps. But like many young players caught in transition periods, his time at Arsenal slowly fizzled out.
“Life has obviously taken a different turn,” he says. “I thought I’d spend my whole career in the Premier League, but things didn’t go as planned with Arsenal.”
After his contract expired, he joined Lyon on a free transfer in 2023. It was, as he describes it, a moment of clarity.
“I needed love, a club that believed in me. Lyon were the first to show that, and it was too good to turn down. It was the right time to try something new.”
Maitland-Niles deliberately stayed away from the noise. “I told my agent not to tell me which clubs were interested—only the ones with firm offers.”
Still a Gunner at Heart
Despite the split, there’s no bitterness toward Arsenal. Maitland-Niles still supports the club he joined at age six.
“I’m still an Arsenal fan. I watch most of their games. Winning the FA Cup at Wembley was the pinnacle for me. That was the dream.”
He remains full of praise for Mikel Arteta as well, calling him a “tactical genius in the mould of Pep Guardiola.”
“You can see Arsenal are close to something big. Two seasons in a row challenging for the title—that’s not a fluke. Arteta has built something real.”
Still, he sees room for support around Bukayo Saka.
“I think they rely on him too much. He’s still so young and hasn’t hit his prime yet. But he’s world-class already—he can change a game in a moment.”
He’s also got his eye on another young Arsenal talent, Ethan Nwaneri.
“Physically incredible, no fear, just going at people. It’s not easy to break through in the same positions as Odegaard and Saka, but he’s making noise. He has the world at his feet.”
A Roman Chapter with Mourinho
Before France, there was Italy. In 2022, Maitland-Niles spent six months on loan at AS Roma, working under the enigmatic Jose Mourinho. The pair even won the UEFA Conference League together.
“He’s a funny guy, Jose. Full of stories about his past teams, and how he won titles everywhere. Some love him, some hate him—but he’s the real deal. What you see is what you get.”
Lyon, Ambition, and Manchester United
Back in Lyon, Maitland-Niles is starting to feel like one of the leaders in a team full of talent and ambition. With the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso, and Nemanja Matic around, experience isn’t lacking. And now, with Cherki leading the creative charge, belief is growing.
“People don’t realise how big Lyon are,” Maitland-Niles says. “Last season we were struggling, but this year has been different. We need to be addicted to winning and push for the Champions League.”
That push includes knocking out Manchester United, who, despite their erratic season, come loaded with firepower.
“We’ll show them respect—but not too much. That’s where teams go wrong. They’ve got players like Bruno Fernandes and Eriksen who can run over you if you give them too much space.”
And what about the return leg at Old Trafford?
“For an Englishman, that’s always special. The Theatre of Dreams—it can be a dream for you, or it can crush your dreams. We’ll see.”
The Next Chapter Awaits
Where Maitland-Niles’ career goes next is unclear. For now, he’s settled in France, thriving in a system that allows him to play, grow, and lead. And alongside him, Rayan Cherki continues to rise—a “wizard with the ball” poised for even greater heights.
“I’m still the same player I was at Arsenal,” Maitland-Niles says. “But now I’ve got the mindset, the consistency, and I know what it takes to succeed.”
With players like Cherki beside him and Champions League football in sight, the Englishman may just have found his second wind—in a city that has quietly become one of Europe’s most compelling football stories.
