Ainsley Maitland-Niles impressed in a whole new role for Southampton in their thrilling Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur, coach Ruben Selles hailing a ‘fantastic’ display from the Arsenal loanee.
The England international, at the Emirates, appeared to view his versatility as more of a curse than a gift. A man who was desperate to nail down a spot in central midfield frustrated by Mikel Arteta’s insistence on using him as a full-back instead.
Since joining Southampton on loan, however, Maitland-Niles appears to be embracing his own flexibility at last. Under Selles, the Arsenal academy graduate has impressed in a variety of defensive roles, making a goal-saving block in the recent 1-0 win at Chelsea before slotting in at centre-half as Southampton came from behind against Tottenham while sending steam billowing out of Antonio Conte’s ears.
Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles shines for Southampton
“We brought in Ainsley Maitland-Niles,” Selles says, the 25-year-old coming off the bench to replace the injured Armel Bella-Kotchap in the first half at St Mary’s.
“(Maitland-Niles) was a little bit different. He gave us a lot of calmness in the build-up. I think they (he and Mohammed Salisu) did a fantastic job.”
“I don’t know if I can see him playing there for rest of the season. If something crazy happens like today, we have him as a centre-back option. We used him and he respond well. So, it’s something that can happen.
“I don’t know if that will be regularly but for sure it is one of his positions in this team.”
Maitland-Niles does not appear to have a future at his parent club. Should Selles save Southampton from the drop – his Saints side have now taken five points off Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United – then a permanent move may be on the cards.
“I have just got to say. Maitland-Niles came on and played at the back, centre-half,” Arsenal legend Paul Merson tells Sky Sports (18 March, 5pm).
“I thought he was very good. They lost their two centre-halves very early on in the first half. So to come on and play where he played, I think he did very well.”
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