One of the Arsenal youngsters to really win the support of the club’s fans has been Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Englishman has stepped up to the plate ever since Hector Bellerin got ruled out with a season-ending injury.
Over the past 2 fixtures, the 21-year-old turned out to be really impactful from the right wing-back position. He was firm defensively against Manchester United and then was a terror on the right flanks in the 3-0 comeback win against Stade Rennais.
Maitland-Niles primarily developed as a winger but has turned out for the Gunners senior side in various different positions. After getting his debut start under Arsene Wenger, the Academy product has been seen in both left and right flanks, both as a winger and as a fullback.
He was even noticed in the defensive midfield position on a few occasions. It is his versatility paired with his footballing composure that makes him the perfect squad player for Arsenal. Whether he wants to progress into a regular starter surely depends on him and his ability to improve upon his weaknesses.
Former Arsenal youth player, Rhys Weston wants the youngster to learn from Victor Mosses and his time at Chelsea.
He said, “The frustrating thing is, as a young lad trying to make your way, you don’t always get given the opportunity but he’s got an opportunity now with the unfortunate circumstances with Hector Bellerin being out long-term.
“I think wing-back suits him. If you asked him he’d rather play in the holding midfield position but he and Kolasinac are far better when they have got space in front of them. It’s a bit like when Victor Moses was converted to a wing-back under Conte at Chelsea, his whole game changed and the whole dynamic changed.”
See Also: Arsenal Young And Old Players
