Which Arsenal player Myles Lewis-Skelly claimed to have idolised before he broke into Mikel Arteta’s squad

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence in Mikel Arteta’s first-team has been one of the biggest revelations of the season for Arsenal with the teenager becoming one of the Premier League’s top young talents.

Lewis-Skelly is now a key part of Mikel Arteta’s team in North London and looks to have made the left-back position his own.

The 18-year-old has already made 26 appearances for Arsenal this season after working his way into the team around December time.

But only last season Lewis-Skelly, who was subbed off in the first-half against PSV, was still plying his trade at youth level and during his time in the Hale End academy, there was one player he claimed to have idolised.

Myles Lewis-Skelly used to take bits from Declan Rice’s game

During an interview with Arsenal.com back in January 2024, Myles Lewis-Skelly revealed that Declan Rice was the Arsenal player he looked up to.

Rice is now a big fan of Lewis-Skelly and is really excited about the youngster’s potential.

In the early stages of last year, the Hale End product made it clear that whilst he closely watched Rice’s game, he did not model his game on anyone and instead wanted to become his own player.

Speaking in January last year, Lewis-Skelly claimed: “I wouldn’t say I model my game on anyone because I’m my own player, but I look up to players and try to implement bits into my game.

“There’s so much learning I can take from Declan Rice, for example. Every time I look at him, I’m watching him and looking to see how he’s at the top of his game. What he’s good at, I can use it in my game and try to reach the top.”

Which position Myles Lewis-Skelly claimed was his best

The teenager revealed that long-term he felt his best position was somewhere in midfield, stating either in the number six or eight role.

Ian Wright admitted he can’t wait to see Lewis-Skelly in midfield and is confident that long-term he will end up playing as a number eight.

During his time with the Under-21s during the 2023/24 season, he featured just twice as a left-back, where Arteta has been playing him, and 18 times in midfield.

Lewis-Skelly added: “My best position is either a number six or eight. I’m not too sure yet but I’m just continuing to try my best to master both. Whatever it takes, I’m ready to play in the six or eight role.”