Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles forced his way out on loan in January to get regular game time in his preferred central midfield role.
The versatile Englishman rejected proposals from Leicester City and Southampton to join West Bromwich Albion as Sam Allardyce was the only manager who was willing to give him a chance in the middle of the park.
My Revenge On Ben Foster
Mikel Arteta was not happy that Maitland-Niles rejected Southampton, but he granted his wish. (Read more here)
He has played a few games for the Baggies in the middle of the park now, but he is yet to convince people that a place in the heart of the side is his best position.
In his six games at West Brom, Maitland-Niles averages just 0.7 interceptions and 0.3 key passes per game He is yet to register a goal or an assist and his best moments under Allardyce have come from wider areas. (WhoScored)
Mikel Arteta’s decision to not play Maitland-Niles regularly in central midfield is proving to be the right one.
The Arsenal boss, and many others, felt that his best position is out wide, and West Brom fans seem to agree with that as well.
Here’s how a few of them reacted on Twitter
