Ainsley_Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

English footballer (born 1997)

Ainsley Cory Maitland-Niles (born 29 August 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or right-back for Ligue 1 club Lyon.

Quick Facts Personal information, Full name ...

Maitland-Niles spent the 2015–16 season on loan at Ipswich Town from Arsenal, and the second half of the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Roma respectively. During the 2022–23 season, he was at loan at Southampton, before he joined Lyon after his contract at Arsenal expired. Internationally, he has represented England from under-17 at senior level.

Early life

Maitland-Niles was born in Goodmayes, Greater London, being raised in Ilford, East London and attended Oaks Park High School, Ilford.[5] He grew up in a single parent family with his mother, Jule Niles, and his brother, Cordi.[6] He is of Jamaican descent.[7]

Club career

Arsenal

Early career

Maitland-Niles playing for Arsenal in 2013

Maitland-Niles is a product of Arsenal's academy having joined the club at the age of six.[8][9] Maitland-Niles made the step up to Arsenal's U21s during the 2013–14 season, having broken into the U18 set up the season before.[10] He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on 24 October 2014.[11]

On 9 December 2014, Maitland-Niles made his professional debut at the age of 17 years and 102 days in a UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray, replacing Aaron Ramsey at half time in an eventual 4–1 win for Arsenal.[12] In doing so he became the second youngest player to have represented Arsenal in the Champions League, behind Jack Wilshere. Four days later, he made his Premier League debut, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in added time in a 4–1 win against Newcastle United.[13]

2015–16: Loan to Ipswich Town

On 2 July 2015, Maitland-Niles signed for Ipswich Town on a season-long loan for the 2015–16 season.[14] Upon joining the club, he was given a number seven shirt ahead of a new season.[15]

Maitland-Niles made his Ipswich Town debut, starting the whole game before being substituted in the 82nd minute, in a 2–2 draw against Brentford in the opening game of the season.[16] Since making his Ipswich Town debut, Maitland-Niles' performances immediately made an impact and was praised by manager Mick McCarthy, describing him as "outstanding".[17] His performance then saw him being named the club's player of the month for September.[18] He scored his first goal for Ipswich and his first ever senior goal in a 2–0 win over Bolton Wanderers on 3 November 2015.[19] His second goal for the club came on 19 January 2016, in a 2–1 loss against Portsmouth in the third round replay of the FA Cup.[20] Later in the season, however, Maitland-Niles' first-team opportunities was soon limited, due to injuries[21] and competitions,[22] leading him to play for the reserve side.[23] After making thirty-two appearances and scoring two times in all competitions, Maitland-Niles returned to his parent club.[24]

2017–2020: First-team breakthrough and FA Cup win

On his return to Arsenal the following season, Maitland-Niles started a match away at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup at right-back.[25] Maitland-Niles again started at centre midfield against Southampton in an FA Cup fourth-round game in an eventual 5–0 win for Arsenal.[26] He came on as a substitute in the 74th minute in Arsenal's 2–0 win against Sutton United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.[27] Maitland-Niles established himself as a regular first-team player in Arsène Wenger's final season as manager of the club, making 28 total appearances in all competitions. On 12 June 2018, he signed a long-term contract at Arsenal.[28]

On 12 August 2018, in Unai Emery's first match as manager, Maitland-Niles started at left-back. However, he would be subbed off 35 minutes into the match, after suffering a broken leg.[29] After his return from his leg break, and a season-ending injury for Héctor Bellerín, Maitland-Niles established himself as Emery's starting right-back for the remainder of the season. On 29 December 2018, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 5–1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.[30] Maitland-Niles scored his first UEFA Europa League goal on 14 March 2019, scoring Arsenal's second in a 3–0 quarter-final second-leg victory against Stade Rennais at the Emirates Stadium.[31]

With Bellerín still working his way back from injury, Maitland-Niles kept his place as Arsenal's starting right-back for the opening games of the 2019–20 Premier League. On 22 September 2019, Maitland-Niles received a red card during the first half of Arsenal's 3–2 victory against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.[32] His sending off came after he received yellow cards in both the eleventh and 41st minutes. He scored his first EFL Cup goal against Liverpool in a 5–5 draw (Liverpool won on penalties) at Anfield.[33] On 1 August 2020, Maitland-Niles was selected to start in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea, as Arsenal won their 14th FA Cup.[34]

Maitland-Niles started the 2020 FA Community Shield on 29 August, taking and scoring the second penalty in a penalty shoot-out win against Liverpool after the match ended 1–1.[35] In the FA Community Shield, Maitland-Niles was awarded the man of the match.[36] Maitland-Niles later struggled to secure a place in Mikel Arteta's first team, with interest coming from West Brom and Southampton to sign him on loan.[37][38]

2021–2023: Loans to West Bromwich Albion, Roma and Southampton

On 1 February 2021, Maitland-Niles joined fellow Premier League club West Bromwich Albion on a loan deal until the end of the season.[39] He made his debut in a 0–2 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League on 7 February.[40]

During the summer of 2021, Maitland-Niles was linked with a move away from Arsenal, with Everton reportedly interested in signing him on loan.[41] The potential move fell through however, and on 30 August 2021, Maitland-Niles publicly expressed his desire to leave the club via social media, stating that he wished to go where he was "wanted" and where he was going to play.[42]

On 8 January 2022, Maitland-Niles joined Serie A club Roma on a loan deal until the end of the season.[43][44]

On 1 September 2022, Maitland-Niles joined Southampton on a season-long loan.[45]

On 16 June 2023, Arsenal announced that Maitland-Niles would be leaving the club following the expiration of his contract.[46][47]

Lyon

On 7 August 2023, Maitland-Niles joined French club Lyon on a four-year deal on a free transfer.[48]

International career

Maitland-Niles has played for England at various levels within the youth setup of the Three Lions. He made three appearances for England U17 in 2014.[49]

He was then called up by England U18 in November 2014[50] and scored on his debut, in a 3–2 win over Poland U18.[51] He went on to make four appearances for the England U18 side.

In September 2015, Maitland-Niles was called up by England U19[52] and scored on his England U19 debut, in a 3–2 win over Germany U19 on 4 September 2015.[53] He scored again the following month, in a 2–0 win over Macedonia U19.[54] He was then included in the England U19 squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship that saw them reach the semi-final of the tournament.[55]

On 1 September 2016, Maitland-Niles scored on his England U20 debut, in a 1–1 draw against Brazil U20.[56] In May 2017 he was called up to England's squad for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea.[57] England eventually got to the final of the tournament where they were up against Venezuela. Maitland-Niles, who came on in the 75th minute of play, went on to win the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup as England beat Venezuela by a 1–0 margin. This was the first time England had ever won the Under-20 World Cup.[58]

On 29 August 2020, Maitland-Niles was called up to the England senior squad by Gareth Southgate for the UEFA Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.[59] He made his debut on 8 September coming on as a substitute against Denmark.[60]

Style of play

Maitland-Niles is known for his versatility, with his pace and energy, he can play as a winger, central midfielder, full-back, and wing-back,[61] though he prefers playing on the wing, describing it as "his natural position."[62]

In December 2017, his then-Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, praised Maitland-Niles as "a good defender", saying that "he has that sense of one against one" and "has very quick recovery runs."[63]

Media

Maitland-Niles was involved in the Amazon Original sports docuseries All or Nothing: Arsenal, which documented the club by spending time with the coaching staff and players behind the scenes both on and off the field throughout their 2021–22 season.[64][65]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 14 April 2024
More information Club, Season ...
  1. Appearance in UEFA Champions League
  2. Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. Appearance in FA Community Shield
  4. Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

International

As of match played 18 November 2020[75][76]
More information National team, Year ...

Honours

Arsenal

Roma

England U20

References

  1. [1]
    "FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017: List of Players: England" (PDF). FIFA. 11 June 2017. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 December 2019.
  2. [2]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Overview". ESPN. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  3. [3]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  4. [4]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  5. [5]
    "Redbridge trio earn FA Cup rewards". Ilford Recorder. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  6. [6]
    Jones, Mark (5 March 2018). "Arsenal star's homeless mum forced to sleep in a storage unit". mirror. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  7. [7]
    "England-born Players Could Represent Reggae Boyz Despite English FA Interest". RJR News.
  8. [8]
    "Arsenal: Introducing Ainsley Maitland-Niles" – via YouTube.
  9. [9]
    "55. Ainsley Maitland-Niles". Arsenal Youth. Archived from the original on 7 June 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  10. [10]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles". Arsenal F.C. 13 July 2023.
  11. [11]
    "Young duo sign professional terms". Arsenal F.C. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  12. [12]
    "Galatasaray vs Arsenal 0–3". Soccerway. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  13. [13]
    "Arsenal vs. Newcastle United". Soccerway. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  14. [14]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles joins Ipswich Town from Arsenal". Ipswich Town F.C. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015.
  15. [15]
    "TOWN ANNOUNCE SQUAD NUMBERS". Ipswich Town F.C. 29 July 2015. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  16. [16]
    "Brentford 2–2 Ipswich Town". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  17. [17]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be an outstanding player for Arsenal, says Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy". Ispwich Star. 29 August 2015. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  18. [18]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles proves he's on his way to being an Arsenal regular by winning monthly award with Ipswich". The Metro. 27 September 2015.
  19. [19]
    "Ipswich 2–0 Bolton". BBC Sport. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  20. [20]
    "Portsmouth 2–1 Ipswich Town". BBC Sport. 16 January 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  21. [21]
    "Team news: Fraser and Bru start at Brighton". Ipswich Star. 29 December 2015. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  22. [22]
    "Three changes for Ipswich Town as Bialkowski, Maitland-Niles and Hyam come in to face Reading". Ipswich Star. 2 February 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  23. [23]
    "Teddy Bishop and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to play for Ipswich Town Under 21s against Millwall". Ipswich Star. 25 April 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  24. [24]
    "McCarthy admits Ainsley Maitland-Niles is unlikely to return to Ipswich Town next season". Ipswich Star. 21 April 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  25. [25]
    "Starting Lineups – N Forest vs Arsenal | 20 September 2016". Sky Sports. 20 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  26. [26]
    "Looked like a veteran!" – Arsenal fans delighted with Maitland-Niles' performance against Southampton". Squawka.
  27. [27]
    "Sutton United 0–2 Arsenal". BBC Sport.
  28. [28]
    "Ainsley signs new long-term contract". Arsenal F.C. 13 July 2023.
  29. [29]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Arsenal midfielder suffers leg fracture". BBC Sport. 16 August 2018.
  30. [30]
    Wilkins, Sam (29 December 2018). "Video: Ainsley Maitland-Niles scores first ever Arsenal goal to hand Gunners lead vs Liverpool". CaughtOffside. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  31. [31]
    Blanchette, Rob. "Arsenal Complete Comeback, Beat Rennes 3–0 to Advance to Europa League Quarters". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  32. [32]
    "Match Report: Arsenal 3–2 Aston Villa". Arsenal F.C. 22 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  33. [33]
    "Shootout decides 10-goal Anfield thriller". BBC Sport.
  34. [34]
    McNulty, Phil (1 August 2020). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  35. [35]
    "ARSENAL BEAT LIVERPOOL 5–4 ON PENALTIES TO WIN THE FA COMMUNITY SHIELD". The Football Association. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  36. [36]
    "Arsenal 1–1 Liverpool (5–4 on pens): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secures Community Shield shootout win". Sky Sports. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  37. [37]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: West Brom leading race to sign England international from Arsenal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  38. [38]
    "Southampton join race for Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles". The Independent. 29 January 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  39. [39]
    "Maitland-Niles joins Albion on loan". West Bromwich Albion. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  40. [40]
    Gold, Alasdair; Guest, Rob (7 February 2021). "Tottenham vs West Brom highlights as Kane and Son goals seal vital win". Football.London. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  41. [41]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Everton keen on signing Arsenal right wing-back on loan". skysports.com.
  42. [42]
    "Embarrassment for Arsenal as Maitland-Niles asks to leave on Instagram". The Guardian. 30 August 2021.
  43. [43]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles joins AS Roma on loan". Arsenal F.C. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  44. [44]
    "Maitland-Niles completes Roma move!". A.S. Roma. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  45. [45]
    "Maitland-Niles joins Saints on loan". Southampton FC. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  46. [46]
    "13 players to depart at end of their contracts". Arsenal F.C. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  47. [47]
    Rogers, Jonathon (16 June 2023). "Maitland-Niles:"It's been an emotional journey"". Arsenal F.C. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  48. [48]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Ex-Arsenal midfielder agrees deal with Lyon". BBC Sport. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  49. [49]
    "Ainsley Maitland-Niles: All you need to know about the Arsenal youngster". The Daily Telegraph. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  50. [50]
    "ENGLAND U18S SQUAD NAMED FOR POLAND DOUBLE-HEADER". The Football Association. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  51. [51]
    "CONNOLLY, MAITLAND-NILES AND ARMSTRONG SEAL WIN". The Football Association. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  52. [52]
    "Maitland-Niles in England U19 Squad". TWTD. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  53. [53]
    "ENGLAND U19S PICK UP THRILLING VICTORY IN GERMANY". The Football Association. 4 September 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  54. [54]
    "ENGLAND U19S GET EURO QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN OFF TO FINE START". The Football Association. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  55. [55]
    "ENGLAND UNDER-19S SQUAD NAMED FOR EURO FINALS CHALLENGE". The Football Association. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  56. [56]
    "Maitland-Niles scores for England". Arsenal F.C. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  57. [57]
    "Revealed: The Arsenal player who won't be involved again this season after England U20s call-up". Football London. 8 May 2017.
  58. [58]
    "Under 20 World Cup: England beat Venezuela in final". BBC Sport. 11 June 2017.
  59. [59]
    "Coady & Maitland-Niles called up by England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  60. [60]
    "Denmark 0–0 England". BBC Sport. 8 September 2020.
  61. [61]
    Association, The Football. "England player profile: Ainsley Maitland-Niles". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  62. [62]
    "Maitland-Niles – Why I love the wing". Arsenal F.C. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  63. [63]
    "Arsene Wenger Hails Maitland-Niles as 'the Future' After an Excellent Performance Against Newcastle". 90min.com. 18 December 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  64. [64]
    "Full 'All Or Nothing' trailer released". Arsenal F.C. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  65. [65]
    All or Nothing: Arsenal | Official Full Trailer 🎬. Amazon Prime Video Sport. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022 – via YouTube.
  66. [66]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  67. [67]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  68. [68]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  69. [69]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  70. [70]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  71. [71]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  72. [72]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  73. [73]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  74. [74]
    "Games played by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  75. [75]
    "Maitland-Niles, Ainsley". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  76. [76]
    "England 4-0 Iceland: UEFA Nations League Match Centre". The Football Association. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  77. [77]
    McNulty, Phil (1 August 2020). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  78. [78]
    Rostance, Tom (6 August 2017). "Arsenal 1–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  79. [79]
    Sanders, Emma (29 August 2020). "Arsenal 1–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  80. [80]
    McNulty, Phil (25 February 2018). "Arsenal 0–3 Manchester City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  81. [81]
    Bevan, Chris (29 May 2019). "Chelsea 4–1 Arsenal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  82. [82]
    Honeyman, Sam (25 May 2022). "Roma 1–0 Feyenoord: Zaniolo strike wins the first Europa Conference League final". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Ainsley_Maitland-Niles, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.