Arsenal - Mikel Arteta with Myles Lewis-Skelly
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has credited Mikel Arteta’s relentless standards for accelerating his rise to the first team, describing the manager as “demanding in the best way.”
The 18-year-old left-back enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign at the Emirates last season, making 15 Premier League starts and featuring seven times in the Champions League. His performances earned him a first England call-up under new manager [name not given], and he capped his debut against Albania by scoring his first international goal.
Lewis-Skelly has already made 43 appearances for Arsenal and is expected to start the 2025/26 season as the club’s first-choice left-back ahead of Ricardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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Speaking to GQ magazine, Lewis-Skelly highlighted how Arteta pushes every player to remain sharp and disciplined in training.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Arteta
Myles lewis-Skelly with Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Demanding and in the best way,” he said when asked what it’s like to work under the Spaniard. “He holds you to a high standard, and if you don’t meet that standard, he’s going to let you know about it. You can’t get away with being silly in training; you’ve got to be on your A-game and apply yourself.”
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The teenager also pointed to his ability to learn quickly as a key factor in his rapid development, noting that studying established stars in training has helped him adapt at senior level.
“I’d say that’s one of my super strengths,” he added. “My ability to take in information quickly and process it has helped the team recognise my skills. I know where I need to be and what I should expect from another player in any situation, it comes from practice and watching other great players.”
Among those he looks up to are Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. “Dec is a sensational leader, someone who knows what to say at the right moment every time,” Lewis-Skelly said. “And Bukayo had a similar journey to mine, so I’ve been asking him a lot of questions about how it’s been for him and what helped him.”
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