Arsenal’s youth academy continues to shine, and this season, no one has exemplified that more than 17-year-old full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. Despite his young age and relatively recent promotion to the first team, Lewis-Skelly has posted the best ground duel win rate among all full-backs in the Premier League this season — a remarkable achievement that puts him above several seasoned internationals.
According to newly released statistics, Lewis-Skelly has won an outstanding 73.3% of his ground duels (with at least 75 contested), ranking him first among full-backs in England’s top flight. That figure outshines big names such as Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both known for their defensive abilities. For comparison, Gvardiol and Patrick Dorgu both clocked in at 63.0%, Destiny Udogie registered 61.9%, while Wan-Bissaka trailed slightly behind at 61.8%.
These numbers speak volumes about Lewis-Skelly’s defensive awareness, timing, and physical maturity — all rare qualities for a player still in his teenage years. At just 17, he has shown not only composure under pressure but also the intelligence to win battles in tight areas, often against much older and more experienced opponents.
Lewis-Skelly’s performances have not gone unnoticed by Mikel Arteta, who has steadily integrated him into the first-team picture. While Arsenal’s defensive options are deep, with the likes of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber all capable of playing at full-back, Lewis-Skelly has carved out minutes through sheer merit. His appearances have been marked by confidence on the ball, sharp positioning, and most importantly, a fearlessness that is rare in young defenders.
One of his most lauded attributes is his ability to anticipate danger and make clean, well-timed tackles. In matches where Arsenal have needed calm heads under pressure, Lewis-Skelly has often stepped up with maturity far beyond his years. His technical background as a midfielder has also helped his transition to full-back, offering Arteta added versatility and depth.
With Arsenal pushing to stay among the Premier League’s elite, having top-performing players in every position is critical — and Lewis-Skelly’s emergence could save the club millions in the transfer market. Not only is he proving to be a valuable defensive asset, but his homegrown status also adds important value to the squad’s long-term structure.
The Gunners will be keen to manage his development carefully, but all signs point to Lewis-Skelly being a mainstay in North London for years to come. If he continues at this trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before he receives broader recognition, potentially even a senior England call-up.
For now, though, Arsenal fans can take pride in knowing that one of their own has outperformed the league’s best — and the numbers prove it.