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Arsenal news: Jack Wilshere sends message to Gunners ace over his future
JACK WILSHERE believes Ainsley Maitland-Niles will eventually become a central midfielder at Arsenal - but he must be patient.
Academy graduate Maitland-Niles has been a regular in the Arsenal side of late.
The 21-year-old has played in a variety of positions under head coach Unai Emery.
He has slotted in at left-back, right-back, wing-back and on the right of a front three.
However, Maitland-Niles has rarely played in the position he describes as his best - central midfield.
He’s still only young and eventually is going to become a central midfielder and I believe he can do it here
West Ham star Wilshere, who came through the Arsenal youth setup like Maitland-Niles, admits he did not play in his preferred position early in his career.
But he says his former team-mate needs to wait for his chance while developing in other roles.
“I’d probably agree with him [that central midfield is his best position],” Wilshere said on Sky Sports.
“But at the same time, as a young player it’s difficult.
“When I broke into the team I was playing on the wing and I always saw myself as a central midfielder.
"But he’s a versatile player and as he said it’s a gift and a curse.
“But for him at the moment it is a gift because he’s playing well and playing week in, week out.
“I think it’s part of your development [to play in different positions].
“He talked about going on loan and becoming a man.
“But coming back into a club and team like Arsenal, playing out of position and seeing the other roles in the team and what the other players have to do, is only going to help him going forward.
“He’s still only young and eventually is going to become a central midfielder and I believe he can do it here [at Arsenal].”
Maitland-Niles started at right wing-back in Arsenal's visit to West Ham on Saturday.
Wilshere is still out with an ankle injuy and was working as a pundit for the match at the London Stadium.