Arsenal’s teenage duo, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, are more than just rising stars; they represent the bond that has flourished over more than a decade, propelling them both to the brink of stardom in the Premier League.
Their journey began in 2014 when they were introduced to the Emirates crowd as part of Arsenal’s under-nines squad, an early moment that hinted at the potential these two young friends held. Now, 12 years later, they are not only inseparable off the pitch but are also thriving together in Mikel Arteta’s first-team setup, proving their invaluable contribution to the Gunners’ current success.
It’s a rare feat for a club like Arsenal to have one teenager making a notable impact on their first team, but to have two, particularly when they’ve shared such a strong friendship for years, is extraordinary. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have grown up side by side, making their way from the youth ranks to senior football, and their synchrony on the pitch is palpable. In their recent 5-1 demolition of Manchester City, both players scored remarkable goals, showcasing the development of two of Arsenal’s brightest prospects.
Their bond stretches back to their time at Chelsea before they both joined Arsenal at the age of eight. From their first appearances for Arsenal’s under-18s, which saw them both score stunning goals at just 14 years old, it was clear that they were destined for greatness. As coach Dan Micciche recalls, “It was always Ethan and Myles. They were like one, even though they were two different people.” Their shared rise through the ranks at Arsenal has not only been a testament to their individual talents but also their deep connection and shared commitment to success.
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Mikel Arteta, who was made aware of their potential shortly after taking over as Arsenal manager, quickly recognised the value they could bring to the first team. Micciche remembers, “Within his first month, Arteta knew exactly who they were.
He was immediately interested and asked for video footage of their performances.” Their personalities, however, are notably different, with Lewis-Skelly being more extroverted and always eager to challenge senior players, while Nwaneri is more reserved. Despite these differences, they complement each other perfectly on and off the field.
New Heights for Both Players
Both players have consistently pushed each other to new heights, even when playing at different age levels. Whether it was sharing academic study sessions during the Under-17 European Championship in 2023 or training together outside of Arsenal’s regular sessions, their support for one another has been unwavering.
Nwaneri, who was invited to play in higher age groups slightly before Lewis-Skelly, has always been there to guide his friend. Their shared journey is truly unique, as they have grown together not only as footballers but also as close friends.
Currently, they are both integral parts of Arteta’s squad. Lewis-Skelly, now a first-choice left-back, is thriving in a position far from his original box-to-box midfielder role in the academy, while Nwaneri has been operating on the wing, a position far from his usual No. 10 spot.
Their versatility and adaptability speak volumes about their education and development at Arsenal’s academy. Their bond has undoubtedly made the transition from youth football to the Premier League smoother, as they face the challenges of senior football side by side. “There is a bond there,” Arteta noted, adding, “For them, it is special.”
As Arsenal continues to chase the Premier League title, the presence of these two lifelong friends on the pitch will remain one of the club’s most exciting and dynamic stories.
