Arsenal have had 17 players away on international duty over the last three weeks.
The Premier League champions return to action on Saturday against Leeds, where they will be keen to quickly shake off the dismal 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the break.
While some players picked up injuries, namely Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis, others have continued their vein of form. One who has very much done the latter is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who featured in all four of England’s Nations League matches as a central midfielder, in the absence of Declan Rice.
Lewis-Skelly started three of the games, culminating in what was his most stellar performance in the 3-0 win over Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium. He’s now firmly established himself as a genuine option in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield thinking.
As for his position at Arsenal, he’s competing with Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi for that second midfield role next to Rice, and right now, he’s arguably the preferred option. Micah Richards seemingly agrees.
Micah Richards says Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of the best players he’s seen at that age
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, the former Manchester City defender was glowing about Lewis-Skelly following his England performances. “Is he still 19 as well? I remember the performance against Real Madrid and for someone that young, I’ve not seen a performance quite like it,” Richards said.
“Obviously, Calafiori playing left-back for Arsenal and then they brought in Bruno. Obviously, Declan Rice is going to play. I know he started the season and then Odegaard’s been in really good form, but he’s too good to be on the bench.
“He’s one of the best players I’ve seen at that age and I’m not even exaggerating. He’s unbelievable.”
It’s great to see him get this much credit now. For whatever reason, perhaps because he broke through at such a young age, his performances have gone under the radar somewhat.
Lewis-Skelly turned 20 last month, and it’s easy to forget how young he is. This is a player really developing right now, and fast. He’s only six months into playing in this position at this level, and look at the improvements he is already making.
There’s an argument that he is becoming a £150million player when you consider the fees going around for English midfielders.
Mikel Arteta will make his own call on Saturday, but the case for Lewis-Skelly starting against Leeds is growing louder.