football.london

'Finds it tough'- Surprise Myles Lewis-Skelly scout report emerges prior to Arsenal breakthrough

Little over a year before making his full Arsenal debut in the Champions League, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly was being described as 'too laid back, 'relaxed' as he 'found it tough' at academy level, according to an old scout report.

On Wednesday Mikel Arteta's side placed themselves in a prime position to qualify automatically for the Champions League knockout stages. They sit third in the table, one point above the threshold to make the top eight with two rounds of matches to go.

Their latest Arsenal fixture ended in victory against AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz amongst the goals.

But quietly making a name for himself was Lewis-Skelly. The youngster has already been trusted by Arteta as a starter in the Carabao Cup and five times as a substitute in all competitions.

Last night it was his turn to step from defensive midfield into an unfamiliar left back role amid the club's injury troubles, and he barely put a foot wrong to help see off Monaco.

And that is what makes a scout report written about Lewis-Skelly in August 2023 after an Arsenal Under-21s match against West Ham - now revealed by The Daily Mail - so astonishing.

"Too laid back and relaxed. Lacked intensity but he’s obviously got something about him. Left-footed. Good match knowledge and moves the ball early," read the reported dossier.

"Finds it tough to physically compete, or do the dirty work. But he’s got the shape to develop. One to keep watching."

And Arteta certainly kept watch, handing the teenager his senior debut at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City in September, of all places.

Lewis-Skelly was certainly not afraid to compete on the European stage, last night having the sixth-most touches of any Gunners star, was fouled the joint-most times and made one tackle. Now he will be hoping to start against Everton.

Read full news in source page