It has not been easy for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to become a regular part of the first team at Arsenal. Born in North London, Ainsley began playing for favourite team Arsenal at just six years old.
Maitland-Niles worked his way through the ranks and made his debut at just 17 against Galatasaray in the Champions League. He also made his debut for England U17 in 2014.
Almost six years later Ainsley has established himself as a regular in the Arsenal first team and has just made his England debut.
However, it hasn't been simple for Maitland-Niles to get to where he is, it looked like he was on his way out of Arsenal in the summer and there is still discussions amongst Arsenal fans as to whether he should stay or not. This is why I think Arsenal must keep hold of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
It is a cliche to say a player 'cares about the club' because you'd hope that every player in the squad wants the club to be successful. Sadly this is not always the case and certainly at Arsenal in the past it seems from the outside they were more worried about themselves as individuals rather than the team.
From the moment that Mikel Arteta was appointed he made it clear that he was only interested in players that would work hard and who's main focus was helping the team.
A perfect example of this is the comparison between Matteo Guendouzi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Guendouzi was a regular performer under Unai Emery, while Maitland-Niles was featuring in cup games or off the bench.
Arteta's arrival has turned the tables for both players completely. Maitland-Niles showed he was behind Arteta's vision and was prepared to work hard. Guendouzi had a poor attitude leading to an incident at a Dubai training camp. His refusal to apologise has seen him left out of the team completely while Maitland-Niles is thriving and has played a key part in the success that Arteta and Arsenal have enjoyed.
Maitland-Niles is naturally a midfield player and has said he enjoys playing a box to box role using his physical fitness and strength to help make a contribution in both defence and attack. However, this is a role that Maitland-Niles has rarely played at Arsenal, with most his football being played at wing-back or full back in a number of different formations.
The versatility that Maitland-Niles has shown is what has allowed him so many opportunities in the first team. The same can be said for Bukayo Saka who enjoyed a breakout season again playing in a position unfamiliar to him. Both players have come through the Arsenal academy having supported the club while they were boys. This willingness to just want to play for Arsenal in any position has helped them, but ulitmately the most important factor to their success is that they are both very talented footballers that can adapt to playing different positions.
Arsenal rejected a bid from Wolves for Maitland-Niles over the summer and he has already paid back the faith shown to him by Mikel Arteta. He was Man of the Match in the Community Shield against Liverpool and very calmly slotted away a penalty in the shootout. Maitland-Niles has been criticised before for not working hard enough or looking too relaxed but he says that is his personality. He is a cool customer who goes about his business on the pitch. His penalties demonstrate this, he doesn't look worried he just steps up at slots them away like he's playing in the park.
After the Community Shield, Maitland-Niles learnt he had been called up to the England squad and while he didn't get much game time it was an experience he said he loved every second of. Not satisfied though, Maitland-Niles was straight back training with Arsenal ahead of the Premier League opener where he put in a solid performance against Fulham.
It has been a long journey for Ainsley Maitland-Niles but he is now reaping the rewards of his hard-work and good attitude. He is a great example that patience pays off and credit must also be given to Arsenal for allowing him to grow as a player. He has gone from a boy with a dream to a key part of the Arsenal revolution being built by Mikel Arteta.