“It’s nice to have that sort of responsibility [as a striker in my early days], that ‘Ainsley’s going to get you goals’” he told the club’s website. “I did that most years but then there was a year where I was a bit too small and people started growing quickly. Then they decided to put me on the wing.

“It’s just more of a movement thing [out there] and trying to off-balance defenders so that you can get behind them. I was always quick so it was just about using your brain more.

“Me and the coaches then had a few discussions where they believed that I had enough technique and some of my talents were wasted out wide when the game goes through the middle. They took a gamble with me by deciding to play me in midfield for a few games.

“It paid off, I had a few good games in there and they saw me start to grow physically. My footballing intelligence started to get better too and I sat down with Carl Laraman and Steve Gatting, and we made a plan on how I could develop as a central midfielder.”

The youngster has been most recently utilised as a left-wing back in the back five by manager Arsenal Wenger, and has impressed with his solid performances.

And Maitland-Niles says his time as a winger has helped him adjust to his new role.

“Being a wide player is similar to playing as a left back or left wing-back,” he added. “Central midfield is obviously about the technique and awareness, so you always know what’s going on around you. When I go up front, or around those sorts of areas, setting people up, my end product needs to be right.”