Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles has picked his fantasy Premier League team for the weekend’s football – but has failed to include even one single team-mate.

The Gunners breakthrough star of the season has shunned all of his Gunners co-stars in favour of a host of players from the club’s rivals – including Liverpool’s player of the season so far and an England and Manchester City hot-shot.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, he said: “I’d go Raheem Sterling, he’s scoring a lot of goals at the moment. He’s in good form and is always going to come up with a goal late in the game. He’s my first pick.

“Secondly, would be Kevin De Bruyne. He’s bossed the games in midfield this season and has just controlled so many teams.

“Thirdly, Mohamed Salah for Liverpool. Again, he’s scored a lot of goals so he’ll get you a load of points.”

Maitland-Niles has been an unexpected shining light in what’s been a difficult season for the Gunners so far, making 14 starts in all competitions – mostly as a make-shift left-back.

So impressive have been the 20-year-olds performances, he was nominated for the club’s Player of the Month award for December – which was ultimately won by Mesut Ozil.

He however, chose not to include the German in his fantasy league team.

“[As captain] I’d go for De Bruyne. His performances overall – he might get you an assist or goal and I’ll get more points for it!”