SIMILAR RISE: Myles Lewis-Skelly is another Englishman converted into a left-back at club level (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)placeholder image
SIMILAR RISE: Myles Lewis-Skelly is another Englishman converted into a left-back at club level (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Liverpool have been looking at new left-backs, but would a controversial raid on Arsenal make sense?
In Germany, Italy and Spain, the top clubs regularly trade players with even managers frequently seen hopping between rival clubs.
English football has always been different though and it is rare to see clubs like Liverpool sit round the negotiating table with the likes of Man City, Arsenal or Man United. This summer sees Richard Hughes looking to fill a few more holes in a squad that has been battered from pillar to post all season. One position that remains uncertain is left-back. Milos Kerkez continues to frustrate and Andy Robertson seems certain to leave Anfield in the summer, despite continuing to look like the best left-back at the club.
Liverpool should make Myles Lewis-Skelly move
Liverpool have been linked with Antonee Robinson at Fulham which suggests that they aren’t entirely sure about Kerkez just yet, however, there is another Premier League left-back who fits the home-grown criteria, has international experience and the attacking output that Arne Slot needs – if he is the man in charge next season. There is also the added bonus of his club being willing to accept offers for his services.
With their more direct style of play and a preference for taller players, Mikel Arteta has almost jettisoned Lewis Myles-Skelly from his first-team squad despite bursting onto the scene in impressive fashion last season for both club and country. The 19-year old has only played 312 minutes in the Premier League this season, a number that won’t improve if Piero Hincapie’s option to buy clause is taken up, which it would be a surprise if it isn’t. Just because Lewis-Skelly isn’t a fit for Arsenal, doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t be for Liverpool. There is a a hint of a young Robertson about how he plays and he also has a rare quality for a modern player, he has a cockiness that will serve him well throughout his career.
Lewis-Skelly to leave Arsenal?
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal might well be willing to let Lewis-Skelly leave: “If he continues to find himself as third choice left back at Arsenal, there might be an opportunity for him to go out on loan. Obviously, he had a real breakthrough season last year, Lewis-Skelly, when he was outstanding for Arsenal and ended up signing a new contract.
“But Mikel Arteta has preferred Hincapie and Calafiori and they are two outstanding defenders, so it’s been hard for Lewis-Skelly to get opportunities. He’s made just one start in the Premier League and he is frustrated about that, but it’s been difficult to get into Arteta’s star-studded lineup right now.
“It’s something that the club might look at and the player himself might want to look to push for if he wants to be playing regularly.” Lewis-Skelly won’t want to go out on loan knowing that Arsenal still have two players aged 23 and 24 in his position, especially if a club like Liverpool is keen to sign him.
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