Why Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal was gamble as Everton win Premier League transfer race
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has quickly become a fan favourite at Everton.
The former Arsenal ace signed for the Toffees on transfer deadline day for £4million from Olympique Lyonnais.
Since last summer, it has been evident that the Blues needed a new right-back and the 29-year-old became the chosen one.
Maitland-Niles' arrival at Hill Dickinson Stadium didn't draw much fanfare, given the transfer fee involved.
With the search for a new right-back going on all summer, fans in L3 expected an exciting addition to the backline.
After announcing himself with a wonderful strike against Manchester United, the English defender has become a key figure in the Merseyside outfit's unbeaten run so far.
What Tony Bellew has to say about Ainsley Maitland-Niles transfer at Everton
Maitland-Niles is proving his doubters wrong at Everton after some impressive displays.
For the amount the Toffees spent on the right-back, Tony Bellew feels David Moyes gambled by immediately throwing him into the starting line-up.
The former WBC cruiserweight champion believes Maitland-Niles likely had other options in the Premier League, but decided to move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Initial signs from the defender have been encouraging and the Merseyside outfit's decision has paid off for now.
Speaking on Outside the Box Pod on 23 September, Bellew said, "It's not a gamble to take him on, because the money is so minor. But for the manager to just throw him in is a gamble and it has paid off.
"A lot of people were after right-backs in the Premier League. I don't know what it was. So I can imagine Maitland-Niles would've had options. He chose Everton and Everton chose him and he's showing why."
Why David Moyes still needs another right-back in January
Maitland-Niles has brought much-needed quality at Everton.
Jake O'Brien was relatively solid defensively, but he left a lot to be desired going forward at right-back last season.
The former Lyon ace seems to have brought balance to the team, giving the right-winger more freedom to operate in the final third.
Merlin Rohl has been the other option Moyes has converted into a right-back this season, but the 24-year-old has struggled to stay fit.
It would make sense for the Toffees to reinforce their backline in January, with cover clearly needed at right-back and left-back.
While Maitland-Niles is performing well for now, a defensive injury crisis could turn the campaign on its head for the Merseysiders.