Arsenal have one of the most stacked rosters in the Premier League, especially when looking at their defense and midfield. They can withstand any injury to those positions with the most enviable depth in European football, and the case of Myles Lewis-Skelly best exemplifies that.
Mikel Arteta took one of the best left back prospects in the world and converted him to a midfielder with the staggering depth he has accrued on the left hand side of the defense, and right now, MLS has been one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League, showing an accuracy of passing, defensive quality, and press resistance that would put him up there with anyone in the Premier League.
But of course, Lewis-Skelly’s days as a starter are going to be numbered because new signing Bruno Guimaraes is rounding into full fitness, and Arsenal, besides the great Declan Rice, have two of Spanish football’s finest midfielders in their ranks, too, in Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Former Manchester City star Micah Richards hit the nail on the head when praising Myles Lewis-Skelly, even adding that he feels the player is just too good to leave on the bench, via Arsenal Radar:
“Obviously Riccardo Calafiori has been playing left-back for Arsenal and they’ve brought in Bruno Guimaraes to the midfield on top of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. But Lewis-Skelly is too good to be on the bench. He’s one of the best young players I’ve seen at his age and that’s not an exaggeration. He’s unbelievable, such a delight.”
Richards is spot on here. Lewis-Skelly can’t start over these guys, but in the context of the Premier League, he is absolutely a worthy starter on just about any other team and has a talent worth cultivating. The challenge for Mikel Arteta will be fielding the best 11 to win the title while still giving MLS the minutes he needs – and has earned – including now in the middle of the park.
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THE TRIVELA EFFECT
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.