Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Page 7 - The Arsenal discussion community: One More in the Tolly

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Coombs

MistaT wrote:
Torreira -- Xhaka
----Ramsey-----

I think that's what we're likely to play, depending on the opposition. Even though Emery played a 433 inverted midfield in Paris, I'm not convinced it's his preferred formation. I think he wants Ramsey in front of a double pivot.

But I guess we'll see...

Qwiss

Ramsey still has no new contract. Could just be that but with Ozil in Ramseys spot.

Claudius

To what extent are people misinterpreting Emery's interest in young AMN? I see a lot of starting line-ups that feature AMN. Maybe he just sees a lot of potential in him, but he has other ideas about what his starting line-up would look like versus United or Chelsea.

Does the AMN-Torreira-Ramsey midfield have enough creativity, or do you need to have Xhaka in there in the interim? Also, do you want to have Ozil playing out wide, or do you prefer him at 10, then enabling you to have a double-pivot behind?

goon

Agree Claud, I like AMN a lot but folks are pushing him a bit much. Kid is still only 20. He should be feature a lot more this year and in his favoured position, but no way should he be a starter in central midfield just yet.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

Agreed, AMN-Torreira-Ramsey has a lot of going for it bar a true passing maestro. Xhaka would need to fit somewhere.

Coombs

We know that Emery likes Ramsey and wants to build the team around him, so if we look at recruitment it makes sense to maybe consider it through that lens. AMN and Toreira seem to be for the same role, Xhaka is our only real DLP unless Elneny can continue improving his passing range, and Ramsey is a B2B AM, which I think is almost signature Emery from his time in Spain.

Mobile striker, technical wingers (Ozil/Mkhi) with the option of a speedy guy like Gelson Martins and for going 2 up with Lacazette is a pretty solid squad with a clear plan.

MistaT

Coombs wrote:
MistaT wrote:
Torreira -- Xhaka
----Ramsey-----

I think that's what we're likely to play, depending on the opposition. Even though Emery played a 433 inverted midfield in Paris, I'm not convinced it's his preferred formation. I think he wants Ramsey in front of a double pivot.

But I guess we'll see...

I doubt we'll see an inverted midfield very often as I don't think our team - across the board - is well set up to press that high. Ozil / Laca / Auba / Mhiki aren't going to lead a press, nor do I think Xhaka (and our CBs) has the ability to stop a press if it's get beat.

Anzac

MistaT wrote:
Coombs wrote:
I think that's what we're likely to play, depending on the opposition. Even though Emery played a 433 inverted midfield in Paris, I'm not convinced it's his preferred formation. I think he wants Ramsey in front of a double pivot.

But I guess we'll see...

I doubt we'll see an inverted midfield very often as I don't think our team - across the board - is well set up to press that high. Ozil / Laca / Auba / Mhiki aren't going to lead a press, nor do I think Xhaka (and our CBs) has the ability to stop a press if it's get beat.

Auba, Mkhi & Sokratis played the high press at BVB,
whilst Torreira was key in midfield at Sampdoria who were the most aggressive pressing side in Serie A.

I wouldn't be surprised in Emery sees AM-N as more a CM to work as a double pivot rather than as a DM type to sit deep.

Klaus

Anzac wrote:
Auba, Mkhi & Sokratis played the high press at BVB,

They weren't 30 back then.

MuswellHillGooner

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: "I'm still learning to defend"
... insists midfield is his natural position despite starting every game for the Gunners at right back this season.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11813153/ainsley-maitland-niles-im-still-learning-to-defend-admits-arsenal-utility-man

Coombs

He's always looked better on the left.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

I agree. He also helps us increase our numbers in midfield as he naturally comes inside from the left.

KingslandBarge

Can't remember the last time I saw him play on the left but that I do think he should be a considered as an eventual option on either wing. There is too much competition in the midfield and I can't imagine he sticks around for more than 2 years if he's our deputy right back. I'm really optimistic that himself and Willock will have something to offer in multiple positions.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

He played LB or LWB a lot in Wenger's last season.

lorddulaarsenal

Think it’s worth playing him in central midfield. It’s the only position I’ve seen him play where he’s looked decent

MistaT

Unfortunate for him, but he's been crowded out in midfield.

Hard to imagine him pushing out Guendouzi or Willock at this moment....perhaps Torreira if his form flounders?

Bold Tone

What he may not realise is how much of an education playing as a FB is.
Gone are the days when the FB was the least skilful player in the team.
If playing that position teaches you anything it is how to tackle and that would allow him to leapfrog any slackers in midfield.

goon

His touch is too loose for midfield fear. He should accept a utility role to be honest.

Ricky1985

[Twitter]

He sounds miserable. I think if he throws himself into becoming a fullback he will become a very good one, but he still seems pissed off he's seen as a little old right back instead of seizing a chance to play for Arsenal.

Come on Ainsley, cheer up, work hard and stop with the delusions of grandeur. You're not playing CM or RW for any team anywhere near as good as Arsenal.

DKGooner

Agreed. However with a number of WF options now gone and with Bellerin returning, I think he should get some time further forward. Obviously Pepe is first choice, but AMN partnered with Bellerin on that flank would be very interesting as one could cover for the other on the overlap.

Nelson should go out on loan for the second half of the season as it is apparent that he is not going to feature as much as originally hoped and that would further increase opportunities on the wing for AMN.

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