Mikel Arteta discusses Ainsley Maitland-Niles playing in midfield

OneFootball

Phil Costa·1 February 2020

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Ainsley Maitland-Niles and admits his future could lie in midfield.

Despite developing further forward, Maitland-Niles broke through in the full-back areas after impressing under Arsène Wenger.

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But following the signing of versatile defender Cédric Soares, Arteta has again hinted to using the 22-year-old elsewhere.

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“Ainsley can play in various positions and do really well at full-back too,” he told Football London.

“He’s a very useful player with great speed, good technique and passing ability.

“He can play as an attacking midfielder because he’s a threat every time with his runs.

“And he can play a holding midfielder because he’s played a lot there in his career. It’s good to have players that can play in various positions.”

Arsenal return to action against Burnley on Sunday.