Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: End of season player rankings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Nemanja Matic of Manchester United is challenged by Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on April 29, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

13. Ainsley Maitland-Niles

It was a breakthrough season for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He had played a total of two minutes of league football prior to last season., one in 2014/15 and one in 2016/17. And then, he played 909 minutes of league football last season, fielded at left-back, left-wing-back and central midfield, his most preferred position.

The composure that he showed on the ball was wonderful, especially for a player of his youthfulness, though it sometimes strayed into carelessness, and his natural speed and athleticism were clear to see and make him an extremely versatile option across the midfield and defence.

Maitland-Niles was also impressive in the Europa League. He was a key fixture of that second XI for Arsene Wenger and played primarily in midfield again. This was the start of a hopefully excellent career. It will be fascinating to see how Unai Emery utilises him next year.

Andrew: 11th; Josh:14th

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