Arsenal’s teenage sensation, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
His emergence on the scene has caught the attention of even the most seasoned footballing giants, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who famously asked, “Who are you?” when Lewis-Skelly made his debut against City in September. Fast forward to Sunday, and the 18-year-old responded with style, scoring Arsenal’s third goal in their 5-1 demolition of City at the Emirates. His celebration mimicked Haaland’s signature meditation pose, but it’s his performance on the field that is truly grabbing the spotlight.
Since breaking into the first team, Lewis-Skelly has seamlessly fit into Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. Playing as an inverted full-back, a role previously occupied by Oleksandr Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly has been instrumental in helping Arsenal build attacks from the back. This style of play, which has become a key feature for top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, requires players who are comfortable on the ball, and Lewis-Skelly has exceeded expectations. His ability to keep possession and maintain a high pass success rate has made him a standout performer in the Premier League.
Since his first league start in December, Lewis-Skelly has posted an incredible 96% pass completion rate, the best in the division among players with over 400 minutes of play. His precise passing, both in his own half and the opposition’s, has been crucial for Arsenal’s fluid attacking transitions.
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But it’s not just his passing that sets him apart; his defensive contributions are equally impressive. The teenager has won the highest percentage of duels among Arsenal players and has yet to be dribbled past, a stat that highlights his defensive discipline and resilience.
Lewis-Skelly’s impact goes beyond his individual statistics. His inclusion in the starting lineup has restored balance to Arsenal’s attack. Prior to his involvement, the Gunners were overly reliant on their right flank, with the majority of their chances coming through Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal Play Has Been Improved
But with Lewis-Skelly contributing on the left, Arsenal’s attacking play has become more dynamic, with the percentage of chances created from the left flank rising from 23% to 36%. This newfound balance has given Arteta more attacking options and allowed the team to be less predictable in their offensive play.
Though not known for creating numerous chances, Lewis-Skelly’s ability to control possession and maintain Arsenal’s shape defensively has been a key factor in the improvement of players around him. One of the beneficiaries has been Declan Rice, who has been able to make more forward runs into dangerous areas without worrying about leaving gaps in midfield.
Rice’s increased offensive contributions, including multiple passes into the box, have coincided with Lewis-Skelly’s presence in the side. Against Manchester City, Lewis-Skelly’s well-timed movement beyond Rice led to a well-taken goal, showcasing his understanding of Arteta’s tactical setup.
As Arsenal push for the Premier League title, Lewis-Skelly’s role in the team will only grow. His development as a versatile and reliable player has made him a crucial part of Arteta’s plans, and his performances are a key reason why Arsenal are challenging for top honors. While his early career was defined by Haaland’s infamous question, it won’t be long before Myles Lewis-Skelly is known for far more than just a celebration. With his maturity on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ever-growing influence, the 18-year-old is destined for a bright future at Arsenal.
