Arsenal: Fans split on Ainsley Maitland-Niles following confession on preferred position

Arsenal fans have given mixed reactions on Ainsley Maitland-Niles following an admission from the player on his preferred position.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the Arsenal youth product said that he isn’t a defender and that his preferred position is in midfield or on the wing.

Maitland-Niles has been filling in at right-back since Hector Bellerin suffered a serious knee injury in January at home to Chelsea (via BBC).

Out of the 73 appearances the England youth international has made for the Arsenal first team, 32 of them have been in either the left-back or right-back position (via Transfermarkt).

With Bellerin not yet back to full fitness, Maitland-Niles proves to be the only senior option at right-back after the sale of Carl Jenkinson to Championship side Nottingham Forest (via The Sun).

Fans were mixed in their reaction to the full-back’s comments on his preferred position, with some backing him, and others blasting him.

Here is a selection of tweets from Gooners:

Respect to Ainsley. He’s filled in a position he’s not used to playing and he’s done very well considering the circumstances.

— NICO (@AFCNicolas) September 18, 2019

At some point you have to own your position. He has the skillset to be a very good RB. He should concentrate on being the best RB he can be.

— Stormadorm (@stormiopro) September 18, 2019

He should not have to explain himself every game!! A proper back up/ starter should have been purchased already!! He is showing his professionalism every time he plays out of position!!

— Brian Albers (@albersbrian4) September 18, 2019

You are poor, period.

— Bekim (@Bekims) September 18, 2019

Theres no attack in his game !! If he was poor at defending at good in attack then fair play but his Pathetic at both. Give me break only position u suit is on the bench. @AFTVMedia @Ains_7

— Big Jonny Hendrxx (@Jonny_Hendrxx) September 18, 2019