Arsenal wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly is quickly becoming a fan favorite at the Emirates. When a young player comes into first-team football and immediately exudes calm temperament, confidence, and natural strength, they quickly gain the trust of their teammates and manager.
This is certainly the case with Arsenal’s latest gem from their academy in Hale End, Myles Lewis-Skelly. While he is not the finished article yet, he has shown what he is capable of given a chance. Here are five surprising facts about him.
- Breakthrough Season at Arsenal Despite the competition for the left-back position with Ricardo Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly has shown maturity beyond his years. He has spent his entire career with Arsenal, making his first-team debut during the 2024–25 season. The injury to Calafiori early in the season provided an unexpected opportunity for Lewis-Skelly, who seized it and has continued to improve with each passing game. Mikel Arteta has since been forced to rotate him with Calafiori for game time.
- First Arsenal Goal On February 2, 2025, Lewis-Skelly scored his first goal for Arsenal in a dominant 5–1 victory against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. After scoring, he dropped to his knees before crossing his arms in the meditation celebration famously used by Erling Haaland. The teenager embraced the moment, showcasing his confidence on the big stage.
- Career Red Cards At just 18 years old, Lewis-Skelly has played only 12 Premier League games but has already picked up two red cards. This means he currently has more red cards than trophies in his career so far, a statistic that is not ideal for a young player looking to establish himself at the highest level. He will need to work on his discipline to avoid unnecessary suspensions.
- England Call-Up On September 7, 2024, Lewis-Skelly made his England U19 debut in a 1–1 draw away to Croatia. His performances at club level have been impressive enough to earn him a senior England call-up for the World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and Latvia on March 14, 2025. Under head coach Thomas Tuchel, he will have the opportunity to prove himself at the international level.
- Style of Play Predominantly a left-back, Lewis-Skelly is also capable of playing in central midfield. He has been described as “excellent with the ball at his feet,” possessing impressive technique and the engine required for a box-to-box role. His style of play has drawn comparisons to all-action midfielders like Arturo Vidal and Michael Essien, players known for their ability to impose themselves on games. However, he must work on avoiding reckless challenges and managing his temperament to refine his game further.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of the most exciting young talents emerging in English football. With his ability, composure, and work ethic, he has the potential to become a key player for both Arsenal and England in the years to come. As he continues to develop, fans will be eager to see how far he can go in his career.
