Arsenal’s wait for major silverware continues, as they are expected to finish runners-up in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.
While trophies have eluded Mikel Arteta, the club’s progress under the Spaniard is undeniable, with a strong focus on building a youthful and exciting team.
Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta has been backed by a core of talented academy graduates and promising signings.
One of the standout stories in this new era has been Myles Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough, surprising everyone with his exceptional talent at such a young age.
Myles Lewis-Skelly on the position he wanted to play for at Arsenal
The 18-year-old academy graduate has impressed all season long at left-back, but as Lewis-Skelly recently revealed, it’s not the position he originally wanted.
During the latest episode of Pavement to Pitch, the teenager admitted he had always pictured himself as a midfielder and believed that’s where he could make his mark at Arsenal.
Nonetheless, due to his adaptability and Arteta’s tactical needs, Lewis-Skelly embraced the switch to left-back.
While it wasn’t his first choice, he has made the role his own, stepping up in high-stakes matches and showcasing maturity beyond his years. The Englishman stated: “Initially, I’ll be honest, I wanted to play midfield. I believe I could have played midfield, but obviously, God has other plans.
“Left-back is what I’m doing now, and just anywhere I can help.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s rise at Arsenal
Lewis-Skelly, who is likened to a young Danny Rose, joined Arsenal’s academy at age eight and quickly gained a reputation as a composed and technically gifted player.
He earned widespread praise for his fantastic performances in the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup which paved the way for his rapid rise.
He signed his first professional contract in October 2023 and made his senior debut less than a year later. So far this season, Lewis-Skelly has made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and providing three assists.
Additionally, he earned his first senior England cap in March, becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer on debut for the Three Lions.
He has earned praise for his performances this season from pundits and former players, including Gael Clichy, who named Skelly Arsenal’s best player.
Both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have named him their Young Player of the Year. Speaking on The Overlap US, Neville said: “I’ll go for Lewis-Skelly. He looks like he has been there forever.
“Just the way he has slotted in the position (left-back) that was causing Arsenal a problem. Unbelievable talent and his temperament is fantastic.
“On the ball, the way he sort of dribbles past people, it just mesmerises me. That shouldn’t be happening at any age let alone being at that age.”
