Ainsley Maitland-Niles has spoken about playing as a full-back in training, and taking what he’s learned from Per Mertesacker into the first-team.

Maitland-Niles has done very well as a left-back in the first-team despite it being far from his best position. The 20-year-old spoke about his experiences during training helped prepare him for the role, and what he’s doing to improve even further.

“Even before I was playing full back, I used to train with the first team at full back when the boss called me over,” he told Arsenal Player. “It just showed that he really believed in me already, so I just thought I had to take some stuff on in case I needed it in the future.

“That’s the type of person I am. I wouldn’t look at the negatives like, ‘Oh I don’t want to play at full back’, I would always try to take something out of the session. I did learn a lot.

maitland niles forest
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: David Vaughan of Nottingham Forest tackles Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 7, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“Per’s just been saying for me to keep my focus at all times. I should always keep in constant communication with my centre back. When it was with Rob [Holding] either he would go and I’d drop or I would go and he’d drop. It was just about winning the ball.

“I’ve been focusing on [improving my heading too] and getting up, the timing and heading the ball. I do have an alright leap but it’s just about timing, keeping my eye on the ball and then wanting to win the headers against the bigger strikers.”

He’s been so impressive in the first-team that Wenger has described him as the future of the club. The comment didn’t escape Maitland-Niles, who admitted being very flattered by it.

“When I looked at the tweet, my heart warmed because Arsène Wenger is such an intelligent man and a legend at the club,” he said. “For him to say something about me like that is just an amazing feeling. I literally did smile when I looked at the tweet.”

After the sale of Francis Coquelin to Valencia, Maitland-Niles could receive more opportunities in central midfield soon. Many believe that to be his best position. Still, with Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac only just returning to fitness, he could play full-back for a little while longer.

If he continues to improve his defending and his concentration, the youngster could turn out to be a very well-rounded player. Wherever he plays, it’s very pleasing to see a home-grown player have such an impact in the first-team.

He’s made 19 appearances for the senior side this season, and should make many more by the end of it.