Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season in 2024/25, making 39 appearances across all competitions as well as his England debut.
From Hale End to N5, Myles joined our academy at eight years old and after making his debut against Manchester City in September 2024, he's gone from strength to strength.
His rise from academy product to first team regular in a matter of months did not go unnoticed by his teammates, who have showered Myles in praise along the way.
Following his contract extension, let's take a look at what the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and many more have had to say about of number 49!
'It's like he was built in a lab'
Making just his third Premier League start, Myles impressed yet again during our 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on December 27, 2024.
His performance at Emirates Stadium drew plenty of praise, particularly from midfielder Declan Rice, who had this to say about MLS' display.
"He can go to the top, this kid is just special, very special. For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong – it was like he was built in a lab!
"I said that to him the other day, it’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him, I know his mum looks after him really well and all the boys at the training ground do too.
"We have a really good crop of youngsters coming through and he can be what he wants to be, he just needs to stay focused and always want more and he can do that."
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'his future is very bright'
In December 2024, Myles made his first start in the UEFA Champions League as we defeated French outfit Monaco 3-0 at Emirates Stadium.
MLS had a hand in the opening goal, slipping through Gabriel Jesus who set up Bukayo Saka for his first of two strikes on the night.
After the match, Bukayo offered an insight into his fellow academy graduate, revealing he was destined for the top.
He said: “I just said to him, like I said to him before the game, that this is his level.
“He needs to have no doubts about the confidence, what he’s doing in training. I was pleased with him, he was a big part of the first goal.
“His future is very bright. He just needs to keep the same head that he’s got. His mentality is top, he’s always asking questions, looking to learn, so I’m so proud of him."
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'the lion comes out on the pitch'
While Myles broke into the first team at left-back, our England international spent the majority of his time in the academy playing in midfield.
On the other side of the backline is Jurrien Timber, who played 28 matches alongside MLS in 2024/25.
Timber hailed Myles' maturity and his ferociousness on the pitch, which has helped him become a star.
“It’s incredible. I want to say the kid, but he’s not a kid anymore," he said.
"I think he’s so mature, he’s special. He does it on the biggest stage, which I know from playing is not easy. He just does it and outside the pitch he’s so nice and kind, you don’t see the lion that comes out inside the pitch, which I really love to see.
"But the whole backline, I think the level is insane. I think we push each other and I’m just lucky to be a part of it."
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'he's a big personality'
February 2, 2025, will live long in the memory for Myles Lewis-Skelly as he netted his first goal in a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City.
It was another startling performance from the teenager and our captain Martin Odegaard was quick to praise the youngester.
He said: “I’m really, really happy for him. You can see, he’s a big personality, gets on the ball, makes things happen, from left back to do what he’s doing with and without the ball for his age, unbelievable. Ethan [Nwaneri] as well coming on, with the impact straight away, two good players we have there!”
'he's a class player'
Ahead of our final home match of the Champions League league phase against Dinamo Zagreb, Leandro Trossard was quizzed about Myles' contribution to the squad so far.
Leo played over 1,000 minutes with Myles during 2024/25, and believes that our emerging academy talent has stayed humble throughout the season.
He said: “He’s such a good player, so strong as well for his age, it’s unbelievable and also down to earth and that’s also one of his biggest qualities. He is also the same as Ethan [Nwaneri], a bright future ahead of him and I’m really pleased for those two.
“I think, as I said before, he’s really down to earth and he knows what he’s dealing with.
“He’s a class player and as I said, the more games he will play, the better he will get I think.”
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