Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has been the talk of the town in recent months.
The teenager impressed in pre-season for the Gunners, but nobody really expected him to get significant minutes with the first team this season.
However, Lewis-Skelly has broken into Mikel Arteta’s side and has cemented himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back right now.
The youngster’s performances have been exceptional, and what makes him even more special is the fact that left-back isn’t even his natural position.
Where does Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future lie at Arsenal?
Declan Rice was in a similar position to Lewis-Skelly when he first broke through at West Ham.
The Gunners’ number 41 was originally a centre-half, but his ability on the ball convinced the Irons to use him in the middle of the park.
That decision has proved to be the right one as Rice has now developed into one of the best midfielders in world football.
Lewis-Skelly, whose natural position is central midfield, has mostly played as a left-back for the Gunners this season.
But, Rice reckons that Arteta will change the youngster’s role again in the future and permanently use him in the middle of the park.
Rice told Sky Sports: “Obviously, at the moment, the way the manager likes to play with the role of inside left-back suits Myles to a tee.
“I think, eventually, he will be a midfielder. He’s got all the capabilities to play No.6, No. 8, wherever he wants, really. At the minute, he’s excelling as a left-back.
“Even his defensive duels, his 1v1s are outstanding, which again, he wasn’t able to do last year. Coming up against sharp wingers, he’s dealt with it so well.
“I think his future is definitely midfield and Arsenal have a player now who can play in multiple positions.”
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Lewis-Skelly could get a midfield role at Arsenal sooner than you think
Lewis-Skelly is still only 18, and he has a lot of time in his career before he would want to nail down just one position for himself at Arsenal.
The youngster is doing a great job at left-back – he has even been better than big-money summer signing Riccardo Calafiori in that role.
But, we think Arteta could push Lewis-Skelly to midfield as early as at the start of next season.
That is because both Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contracts will expire this summer, and they are expected to leave the club on free transfers.
That opens up a spot in the middle of the park, and Lewis-Skelly deserves his opportunity there – even if someone like Martin Zubimendi is brought in.