Myles Lewis-Skelly, England
Myles Lewis-Skelly, England | Michael Regan - The FA/GettyImages
Mikel Arteta took the leap of faith last season by playing Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield. Now, Arsenal fans look at it as being his best position.
Last night, against Czechia in the Nations League, Thomas Tuchel took a lesson from Arteta's playbook and started Lewis-Skelly in midfield. Lo and behold, he didn't disappoint.
With 72 touches and a 91% pass accuracy (only two England players being more accurate), it was a pretty good night for Lewis-Skelly. What the data won't represent is how well Lewis-Skelly held the ball in midfield, with one moment in particular leaving jaws on the floor before spraying a nice pass out to his right-wing.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is now in contention for Arsenal AND England
Myles Lewis-Skelly is still young, and he has his entire career ahead of him. It is just as hard to make the England midfield as it is to make the Arsenal midfield, but he proves to both of his managers that he should certainly be in contention for the role.
Ever since Arteta moved him to the midfield, which was at the tail end of last season, Lewis-Skelly has been one of Arsenal's best players. In fact, it's not far-fetched to say he helped Arsenal over the line to win the Premier League. Of course, each played their part, but Lewis-Skelly provided the composure in midfield when Arsenal needed it most.
His ball retention is incredible, but what strikes fans most about his play is how he can carry the ball forward with purpose and ease. He picks his moments to stride, and he's not shy about playing cute passes to match the peel-off runs of the Arsenal attackers.
It is wild to think that there was a reality in the summer where Lewis-Skelly could have left Arsenal. The Gunners weren't shy about getting rid of a few fan favourites, and Lewis-Skelly could have been one of them. There was interest circling, and even though leaving the club was never on his mind, there was a point in time when Arsenal fans didn't know that.
Nevertheless, that's all history now. While it's too early to make claims, there is every possibility that Lewis-Skelly could be at Arsenal for his whole career. Some players live and breathe Arsenal, and Lewis-Skelly falls into that category.
As England prepares for EURO 2028, Lewis-Skelly will want to play his part. It is a hard midfield to break into, with Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice being three of the best midfielders in the world. However, Lewis-Skelly is already used to competing with some of the world's best midfielders at Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly has time on his side, but he's already way ahead of the natural curve.
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