Ashley Cole thinks ‘outstanding’ Arsenal player is finally thriving away from the Emirates

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Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles is finally being given the opportunity to make a name for himself in central midfield, according to Ashley Cole.

The Hale End graduate has made 121 competitive appearances for Arsenal since making his senior debut in 2014.

However, he has struggled to nail down a first-team place under Mikel Arteta.

After making just five Premier League starts in the first half of the season and playing at right-back, and on either flank, Maitland-Niles sealed a loan move to West Brom.

The 23-year-old has made five appearances for Sam Allardyce’s side so far, either in central midfield or attacking midfield, and has been winning plaudits for his performances.

Cole believes that Maitland-Niles’ ability to play in multiple positions for the Gunners has cost him.

“I think the problem he had was he was too versatile for his own good,” the former Arsenal full-back said on Sky Sports, via football.london.

“There were so many players in the squad. You got an injury at right-back, left-back, central midfield, right wing, left wing-back, he could play everywhere.

“But it’s very important for young players to nail down a spot and really make that their own.

“He feels central midfield is his position, that’s where he wants to ply his trade and Big Sam [Allardyce] has taken a chance on him and given him that opportunity.”

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Maitland-Niles is a talented player with plenty of potential – you don’t come up through the ranks to make over 100 appearances for a club like Arsenal if you’re no good.

“I think he’s been outstanding,” Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT last year (14 September, 09:12). “For me, he’ll be integral to any success Arsenal have this season.”

Cole has a point, however – when players are so versatile, they could end up being viewed as cover for players with an established position, which may be good for the team but not the player.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Maitland-Niles, particularly if the Baggies remain in the Premier League.