Arsenal supporters were impressed by the performance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles during Sunday’s Premier League 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.
Arsene Wenger decided to field a much-changed lineup with a view to the Europa League game ahead but the likes of Konstantinos Mavrapanos and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, in particular, left a strong impression on the faithful.
Among the pair, Maitland-Niles was a glowing presence in the centre of the park where he played with a positive attitude against more established talents in the form of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Maitland-Niles has primarily featured in the full-back positions in his breakthrough season but his man-of-the-match showing in a defensive midfield role has surely got the fans excited for the future.
https://twitter.com/davidjcarri/status/990623050939891712
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has so much promise. The kid has a bright future ahead of him, and I think Pogba feels the same judging but his reaction at full-time. Let’s hope he continues to develop.
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) April 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/GurjitAFC/status/990635453807198210
I’m a big fan of Maitland-Niles. Looking forward to seeing him develop as a midfielder. Such a talent
— LE GROVE (@LeGrove) April 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/_AdamKeys/status/990643612621910021
Over the course of his season, Maitland-Niles has made 19 starts for the club across all competitions but Sunday’s game witnessed the moment where the 20-year-old truly showcased his skills at the big stage.
Any young player would get goosebumps whilst tackling United at Old Trafford but Maitland-Niles maintained a lot of composure at the heart of the midfield where he managed to outwit Pogba on a number of occasions.
To the extent, Pogba was very appreciative of Maitland-Niles’ performance following the game and the Frenchman congratulated the 20-year-old whilst offering some words of advice.
With Jack Wilshere’s contract expiring in two months’ time, Arsenal have been associated with a number of overseas players and Maitland-Niles’ progress offers the new manager with a fresh option to compete for a defensive midfield role next term.
