Arsenal: Ainsley Maitland-Niles putting transfer claim in the past

Everyone loves a great footballing resurgence story, and after Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ public plea to leave Arsenal in search of somewhere ‘where he’s wanted’, it looks as if he’s found that place. How quickly the narrative can change.

After securing a loan move away to West Brom last season, the 24-year-old played 15 games for the Baggies. But despite playing in his preferred central midfield position for the majority of that spell, he underwhelmed. He was neither outstanding, nor out of place. Having returned to the club in the summer, he pushed for a move away that Arsenal would not sanction unless under their terms.

Everton looked like being the side capable of luring Maitland-Niles away before Mikel Arteta stepped in and blocked the move. This was met with confusion as to why would Arteta not move on a player who, from the outside at least, had played his last game for the club. When the details of the Toffees’ proposal came to light it – a two-year loan with only a buy option – the decision was understood.

Used in a variety of positions last season including occasionally as a backup right-back for Hector Bellerin, as well as left-back too, Maitland-Niles made it clear that the center of the pitch is where he saw himself playing his best football, even if we or Arteta didn’t see it.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is putting his transfer claim in the past with impressive performances for Arsenal in the heart of Arteta’s midfield

Having played seven games this season, including three in the Carabao Cup, Maitland-Niles has surprised a lot of people. His performance against Leeds was superb and one of his better displays for the club operating in the heart of the midfield.

His high energy levels, ability to win several crucial tackles, how he managed the transitions and counter-attacks superbly, crisp passing, and his positive and advanced thinking helped Arsenal secure passage to the next round. It was a coming-out party of sorts as he finally appeared at home in a position that he had often looked out of his depth in.

Then came Arsenal’s most recent game against Watford in the Premier League. With Thomas Partey out with a groin strain, the Hale Enders was thrust into the starting lineup alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga and he was one of Arsenal’s best players on the day. Were it not for Benjamin White he could have easily scooped the Man of the Match award.

All of what he showed against Marcelo Bielsa’s side was present once more; Maitland-Niles was impressive, but on a slightly different scale. His passing, ability to break up Watford’s attacking forays, positioning, and just about everything else you can think of was first-class. No player made more ball recoveries than his nine, no Gunners player made more tackles than his five and his two interceptions saw him top of the pile for another statistic.

He is finally starting to make a name for himself in a position he had been campaigning for in the summer. It is a credit to him to come back from that now ill-fated Instagram post and is playing some of his best football for the club.

After another impressive outing against the Hornets, the 24-year-old spoke about the summer incident and what is to come.

"“That’s all in the past now,” he said, via Goal.“I am just thinking about the future and what’s ahead of me. It was great to be out there, getting my minutes, and hopefully, there is more to come.”"

If he continues on his trajectory and puts in solid, consistent performances, then there is without a doubt a spot for him in the Arsenal side. While it is most likely to be a rotational player, Maitland-Niles will have to feel some vindication over his pressing for a midfield spot when others did not see him as such.

Importantly, even after reports emerged claiming that he was happy to return full-back having got the midfield desire ‘out of his system’, Arteta has persisted to field him in there. There is belief from both sides on where his future lies.

There is nothing better than the “I told you so”. At the minute, Maitland-Niles is proving a lot of people wrong, and performing at an impressively high level while doing it.