Arsenal: Being realistic with Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles started at right-back for Arsenal on Saturday and performed admirably. What comes of his future remains to be seen, but perhaps it is time to be realistic.

It was quite the explosion for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Starting out of position, sometimes at right-back, other times at left wing-back and even in midfield or on the wing, the youngster displayed his game intelligence, positional awareness and athletic skill set that left many to believe that he could be a long-time starter at Arsenal and beyond.

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There was just one problem: where was his best position? While Maitland-Niles developed as a winger and claimed to be a central midfielder, his profile suggested that he would be best-suited to a full-back role. And that was where his best performances had come.

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It was also where his worst performances had come. His speed bails him out at times, but he does get caught out of position at times; his composure in possession is wonderful, but turn into complacency; he sometimes lacks the competitiveness necessary for a defender, absent of that drive, intensity and grit to dig in and battle his way through a match. Nevertheless, these problems feel like they are solvable.

This week, his move to full-back was discussed by rhe former head coach of the Hale End Academy, Roy Massey. He spoke about the development the now 22-year-old has made in adapting to a new role:

"“I never saw him as a full-back to be fair, but life’s full of surprises when lads are developing. Sometimes he played in midfield or as a forward, he was more of a right-winger than a full-back. I didn’t see him as a full-back. Perhaps he lacked a little bit of his urgency to be a full-back at the time but no doubt he’s developed that instinct.”"

Part of Maitland-Niles’ issues have stemmed from expectations. As he stated explicitly earlier this season, he is not a defender and is still learning how to play as a defender. Even after conceding that he is going to fully commit to becoming a full-back, which has not yet been done, time must be afforded for him to adapt to the role and learn the nuances of the position.

Perhaps, then, it is time for a little realism to reign for Maitland-Niles and his play. On Saturday, again starting in Hector Bellerin’s stead at right-back, Maitland-Niles was excellent, shackling Alex Iwobi and then Richarlison as his speed, strength and skill all rose to the surface in a complete performance. But while it would be lovely to see him play in such a manner every match, it is unrealistic to expect him to do so.

Maitland-Niles will have excellent performances. He will also have terrible performances. It is an inevitability for a young player adapting to a new position. But there has been a shift in expectation, that he should be a full-time, reliable starter each and every week. And that is simply not going to happen.

Maitland-Niles is a solid player with a great skill set and natural inconsistencies. Admitting his flaws while recognising his potential is quite alright, because that is just who he is.