Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly has received another huge endorsement following his recent performances in Arsenal’s midfield.
Lewis-Skelly returned to the starting line-up in the 3-0 victory over Fulham, starring in a midfield role. Manager Mikel Arteta described his performance as ‘incredible‘.
He retained his place in the middle of the park for Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, and in Sunday’s triumph at West Ham United.
Former Arsenal forward Robert Pires has now urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to deploy him in midfield ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
When asked if England could take inspiration from a midfield of Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze — a combination that has worked for Arsenal — Pires replied:
“Maybe, I don’t know. I’m not Tuchel, but yeah, I think for the national team it should be a good idea,” he told talkSPORT.
“He [Lewis-Skelly] can play on the left, but I think for me it’s better when he plays in the midfield.”
Lewis-Skelly’s place in the England squad in doubt
Tuchel admires the Hale End academy graduate, naming him in four of his first five England squads. He has made six appearances under the German — all as a left-back — scoring one goal.
However, he has recently been left out of the Three Lions’ squad, casting doubt over his selection for the World Cup. It remains unclear whether his recent resurgence will earn him a recall.
That said, Lewis-Skelly is unlikely to get a midfield role if selected, given the competition for places for that position.
Rice and Elliot Anderson are the first-choice midfield pairing. Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, James Garner, and Jordan Henderson are also competing for a starting berth in that position.
The 19-year-old is likely to compete with Nico O’Reilly, Lewis Hall and Djed Spence for the first-choice left-back position.