Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports that he is glad that Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles decided to leave the Emirates Stadium in January.
Arsenal loaned out Maitland-Niles to West Bromwich Albion at the start of the year, and a move which was pushed for by the player.
Maitland-Niles wanted more first-team action and was not put off by going to a side in a relegation fight.
The England international could have decided that being a covering option at Arsenal was a more comfortable setting for him.
But the youngster wanted game-time and his decision to move to the Hawthorns has gone down well with Redknapp, who often thought he looked uncomfortable in an Arsenal shirt.
“I like what he’s done. He could have stayed at Arsenal and played the odd game as a left-back or a right-back, but he wanted to be a central midfielder. That’s where he sees his future,” Redknapp said.
“For him to go and play on loan has shown a lot of ambition from his point of view.
“I always remember watching Arsenal and thinking you never looked comfortable in a full-back position, but in midfield it certainly suits him.”
Maitland-Niles has got his wish for regular game time since leaving and Arsenal and he has generally performed well.
West Brom may have lost to Everton last night, but there has been an up-turn in their performances of late.
Albion are next in action against Newcastle United at the weekend, in what looks like a huge game for both sides as they battle against the drop.
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