AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES has revealed that he joined West Bromwich Albion in January to avoid ‘rotting away’ on Arsenal’s bench.
The versatile star featured prominently in the Gunners’ run to FA Cup success last season, while also earning his first England caps in the autumn.
But he subsequently struggled for game time in the Premier League this term, being handed only five starts by Mikel Arteta prior to his January move.
Since joining West Brom, Maitland-Niles has embraced the challenge of trying to stay in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old told talkSPORT: “It’s another loan deal, you are going to end up going back to the club eventually.
“It was just more of a chance for me to show what I’m capable of other than sitting on the bench for the rest of the season and rotting away.
“The main reason was being able to play as there’s nothing better than playing.
“I felt it would be great to experience the work of people trying to save their careers and stay in the Premier League.
“I think it was the perfect fit for me to be here and show them the qualities I can produce.”
Since making his Baggies debut against Tottenham last month, Maitland-Niles has been ever-present for Sam Allardyce’s side.
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Playing in central midfield, the Arsenal academy graduate has mucked in to try and help keep his new team in the league.
But these six games have yielded just one victory, the fortunate 1-0 triumph over Brighton.
The Baggies are 19th in the table after 28 games, eight points behind the Seagulls in 17th.
Maitland-Niles still has two years remaining on his current Arsenal deal, having played 121 games for his boyhood club.
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