Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, Gunners legend David Seaman has been speaking about Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The England international has been making headlines in recent weeks after pushing for a move away from the Emirates Stadium, and Seaman has given his verdict on the player.
The Gunners legend says that Maitland-Niles is not a right-back, claiming that he’d be better utilised on the right side of the midfield.
What’s been said?
Seaman was speaking about the 24-year-old.
“The thing with Maitland-Niles is that he’s not a right-back, I saw him when they first put him as a right-back, but his positional sense is all over the place. With the ball he’s brilliant, but he’s a right-sided midfield player isn’t he.
“I think that’s where he wants to play though at right-back isn’t it,” his co-host said after reports Maitland-Niles wants to play in the defence.
“Well, that surprises me, because he’s not very good at it!” Seaman concluded.
Won’t be playing there
Seaman says he’s surprised that Maitland-Niles wants to play as a right-back, and to be honest, so are we.
In our view, the 24-year-old is better in the midfield, and to be honest, it’s hard to see him getting many opportunities at right-back this season.
Indeed, after the addition of Takehiro Tomiyasu, it looks as though the Japan international will be starting in that role going forward, while the likes of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers are likely to deputise behind him.
Maitland-Niles isn’t likely to get chances at right-back this season, and that could be a good thing after hearing Seaman’s analysis.
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