The Redemption of Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Scrolling through the replies on Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ Instagram account in February 2019, Arsenal’s fans were quick to be critical of the versatile player after the side’s 1-0 win against Huddersfield Town. Some messages to Maitland-Niles were blunt, stating he was too lazy for Arsenal while others were critical yet underlined how good he could be. 

Fan criticism on social media is nothing new, but what was new is Maitland-Niles replying to a good portion of the messages on how he would remedy such flaws and would get better. It showed acknowledgment and hinted at the player’s determination to knuckle down and get through a tough period. It is such resilience that has led Maitland-Niles to earn a first call up to the England squad and cap off a remarkable turnaround in his career.

Being at Arsenal since the age of six, Maitland-Niles would rise through the youth ranks. At the age of 17 he made his senior debut in December 2014 off the bench in the Champions League against Galatasaray, just two months after signing his first professional contract.

The new few years consisted of cameo appearances in the Premier League, League Cup and a loan spell at Ipswich during the 2015-16 season. However, it would be his successful contribution at the U-20 World Cup in June 2017 with England that kick-started his path to the first team.