After a brilliant performance against Manchester United last weekend, Ainsley Maitland-Niles again proved his worth on Thursday evening when the Gunners qualified for the last eight of the Europa League by defeating Rennes at the Emirates.

Indeed, Maitland-Niles' recent showings have come at a critical time for Arsenal in the absence of the experienced Hector Bellerin.

Manager Unai Emery would especially have been pleased with the commitment and desire Maitland-Niles showed in these two important matches, given the attacking threat the 21-year-old had to cope with. It's not always been easy for the youngster, but he's proving to be a resilient character.

Arsenal have had their fair share of defensive problems at the back this season and when Bellerin was carried off during a 2-0 win over Chelsea back in January, many Gunner fans probably feared for the worst in terms of their top four hopes.

But, all of a sudden the North London club are in a very good position to qualify for the Champions League next season thanks to Maitland-Niles stepping up to the plate.

One of their biggest problems last season was the fact that Bellerin had about no competition for the right-back position at the club.

At that time former manager Arsene Wenger made use of Maitland-Niles as a wing-back on one or two occasions but was never comfortable of playing him as just a defender.

And now, despite the addition of Stephan Lichtsteiner last summer, Maitland-Niles looks set to keep his place in the first-team for the remainder of the season. Now, the former Juventus man looks a totally pointless signing, after some difficult games for the Swiss veteran.

Emery, though, has preferred playing with a back-three for most of the season, but has certainly made Maitland-Niles a more defensive player than he ever was before.

His defending against United last weekend was particularly impressive and he showed the massive improvement and growth his made in past 12 months.

His improvement could only act as a major positive for Emery and the club as it offers a genuine replacement for Bellerin, while Maitland-Niles will also push the 23-year-old for a first-choice spot next season when both are available for selection.

Arsenal fans, how impressed have you been by Maitland-Niles? Join the discussion by commenting below...