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Posted on May 5, 2026 1:00 am | Updated on May 4, 2026 5:04 pm
Arsenal
ARSENAL
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Mikel Arteta has many good choices in his Arsenal midfield this season. Myles Lewis Skelly is shining brightly and could help Arteta make a big change. This player looks like the next Granit Xhaka, allowing Arteta to rest or drop Martin Zubimendi in some matches.
Myles Lewis Skelly Coming in the Spotlight
Myles Lewis-Skelly is the young English midfielder who is growing fast in the Arsenal team. He plays with smart passing, good energy, and the ability to push forward like Xhaka did in his best days at the club. Granit Xhaka was a fan favourite at Arsenal. After he left, Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad to fill that role. Zubimendi is a strong defensive midfielder who is good on the ball. But sometimes the team needs more drive higher up the pitch.
Lewis Skelly brings exactly that as he can play in the number 8 position. He pushes into attacking areas while still helping defensively. His performances have excited supporters who see echoes of Xhaka’s football style but with fresh legs and youth.
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Why Arteta Can Drop Zubimendi Now?
Martin Zubimendi has done well since joining Arsenal. He brings calmness and good passing from deep areas. But playing every big game can be tiring. The rotation is crucial in a whole season where they play Premier League, Champions League, and cup matches.
According to reports, by starting Lewis-Skelly in midfield, Arteta can give rest to Zubimendi. This keeps everyone fresh and happy. Lewis Skelly’s rise means Arsenal now have real competition in midfield. This is good for the team because players must fight for their place.
In recent games, when Lewis-Skelly played higher up, he created chances and helped the attack. Declan Rice can drop deeper if needed which makes the whole midfield balanced. This versatile setup has worked well for the Gunners.
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The Benefits for Arsenal
Having options like Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, and others is a big strength. Arteta can change the team depending on the opponent. Against teams that sit deep, a more attacking midfielder like Lewis Skelly can break lines and create goals. Against fast counter attacking sides, Zubimendi’s defensive skills are useful.
This competition also helps young players improve faster. Lewis Skelly is learning from senior stars and showing he belongs at this level. Xhaka himself has been doing great at his new club, Sunderland. His form proves how important a good number 8 or 6 can be. Arsenal have moved on but are finding their own version again.
Arteta’s job is to manage the squad carefully. With Lewis-Skelly stepping up, Arsenal can rotate without losing quality. This is key if they want to win the Premier League or go far in Europe. If he keeps performing, he could become a regular starter and a new fan favourite.
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Arteta’s Smart Planning
Mikel Arteta has built a strong squad with depth. The signing of Martin Zubimendi was a good move but developing young players like Lewis Skelly shows smart long term thinking. The manager trusts the academy and gives chances to the hardworking youngsters. The team looks balanced with full of energy.
The club has replaced the old Xhaka and now has options to keep the team fresh and strong. With the right rotations, they can push for big trophies this season and beyond. The midfield battle is heating up in a good way. Arteta has the tools to make the right choices match after match.
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Debanjan Mallick
Debanjan Mallick is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, delivering expert coverage of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With substantial experience in football journalism, he focuses on providing detailed analysis and feature articles that engage readers and offer deeper insights into the sport. Through his contributions to Six Sports, Debanjan produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing blends clarity with expertise, making him a reliable source for fans seeking high-quality football coverage.
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