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Arsenal: 4 Predictions Ahead of the 2020/21 Season
By Henry Payne
Ainsley Maitland-Niles Becomes Our Starting Right-Back
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the best right-back at the club. Despite reports that he wanted to leave and that he would be sacrificed to raise transfer funds, Arteta values Maitland-Niles’ ability, perseverance, and utility. So long as that remains the case, do not expect to see Maitland-Niles in another jersey, especially now that Arteta has greater control over personnel.
Despite that aforementioned versatility, which has been utilised to great effect since his debut in 2014, right-back is where Maitland-Niles will make his mark. His chemistry with Nicolas Pépé is apparent, and he is such an incredible athlete that he never looks fatigued. That athleticism, combined with his awareness and instincts, also makes him an excellent defender.
While he has some competition in the form of Hector Bellerín and Cedric Soares, Maitland-Niles is the perfect full-back for the modern game and Arteta. The sooner that he becomes Arsenal’s starting right-back, the better.