Why Arsenal should not sell Ainsley Maitland Niles

    Maitland Niles got into some kind of trouble when Arteta came in, claiming he wants to play in his natural position and he doesn't like playing as a fullback. But with all respect to Bellerin, Niles is the best full-back option available at Arsenal. He is so versatile that he can be adapted to both sides of the defence. When he was dropped against Chelsea's game at Stamford Bridge, everyone would have raised their brows and asked why was he dropped. Guendouzi is one more youngster who fell into the pecking order and it seems like Arteta wants him out. But in the case of Maitland Niles, it's different he has gained his spot back and it's better to have him rather than the likes of Kolasinac and Cedric. Niles is fast, more composed and gives a better attacking threat going forward also. Let us look at his tactical profile under Arteta

Defensive Role:

Niles started to come off the bench after Bellerin became the first choice right back. One of his standout performance came in the away win at Molineux Stadium where he was asked to nullify Adama Traore and he was exceptional in doing that. As he is right-footed he stopped Adama to cut in from the flank and have a shot at the goal. His physicality and pace also gave more him advantage to come against an opponent like Traore which Tierney lacked a bit in that game. Another eye-catching display from him was his performance against Mahrez in the FA Cup semi-final. There was arguably only one the Algerian was able to get the better off him when he cut in the flank and had a shot on, but Martinez was there to get down quickly and save it. Maitland Niles was favourite before Bellerin came into the picture from the long-term ACL injury that he picked in the match against Chelsea. Niles's display against Sheffield United in the FA Cup is also something that Arsenal fans will enjoy about, he was always first on to the ball when Arsenal lose possession in their own half. He is right now arguably the best versatile player in the squad right now given the different positions he has played so far. 

Attacking threat:

Maitland Niles is someone whom we have seen him perform like Trent or Doherty, but his link-up plays with the forward in the attacking areas are something to take note. When he plays behind Pepe, Pepe looks like a completely different player, making forward runs, getting the play quicker into the attacking third and nice little link-up plays are joyful to watch. Niles made rarely got into attacking third in the match against Manchester City, but whenever he got the chance he made some problems in City's backline even though the end product was a bit off. The match against Chelsea in the FA Cup final was something that showed his attacking qualities, he ran past Azplicueta easily and got in behind him very often. Azplicueta had a nightmare in dealing with the pace of Aubameyang and Niles making in runs behind him. Tierney, Niles and Aubameyang movements and passes got the better of Reece James and Azplicueta.

It will be a crime to sell Maitland Niles right now when he finally starting to become what a player he is expected to become and too with the claim that Arteta needs him. Should Arsenal need to sell him?