Manchester United legend Gary Neville has heaped praise on Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend.
Lewis-Skelly had a brilliant debut season with the Gunners in 2024/25. He played over 2,500 minutes across 42 appearances and also made his debut with England too.
However, things have been much different for the youngster this year. The 19-year-old has managed 1,800 minutes, but just 39 percent of that playing time has come in the league.
Lewis-Skelly played back-up to Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at left-back for most of the season until this month, when he got the surprise nod over Martin Zubimendi in midfield.
The Gunners graduate was brilliant during the 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham. He has since started three of the next four matches in the centre of the park alongside Declan Rice.
Speaking on The Overlap, Neville asked Lewis-Skelly how he had adapted quickly to a new position. In response, the teenager said it felt ‘very natural’ to return to a familiar role he played in the academy.
He said: “This is where I belong kind of thing. It kind of felt very natural to me.”
The former United star went on to acknowledge that Lewis-Skelly has been quite exceptional since slotting into the heart of the Gunners’ midfield. He added: “You look so good in there, by the way.”
Lewis-Skelly has hardly put a foot wrong since moving into midfield alongside Rice. His presence has meant that Rice has moved into his preferred no.6 position, which has brought the best of him.
The 19-year-old, previously described as ‘fearless‘ by Rice, looks poised to start the Champions League final against PSG on Saturday, on the back of a fine showing against Atletico this month.
Lewis-Skelly won 100 percent of his aerial duels during the second leg of the semi-final against Diego Simeone’s side. He was also brilliant with his ball control, completing 90 percent of his passes.
PSG have some of the best midfielders in world football, and controlling proceedings in the centre of the park could be a huge factor in determining the result of Saturday’s much-awaited final in Budapest.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com