Myles Lewis-Skelly has been on the periphery of the Arsenal starting XI this campaign, and Mikel Arteta has hinted at what he should do to get back into the line-up. The youngster has started every game on the bench so far and has been largely kept out of the squad due to the brilliance of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian has made the left full-back position his own after a string of impressive performances during the early stages of the campaign. He has already made three goal contributions in the first six league matches, and he has arguably been the most attacking full-back in the division so far.
Arteta’s challenge to Lewis-Skelly
Calafiori’s form has kept Lewis-Skelly out of the team, but in his Arsenal pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Port Vale clash, Arteta admitted it has been a difficult decision to bench the youngster this season.
Quizzed on why Lewis-Skelly has not featured more, the Spaniard said:
“Yes, and sometimes performances of other players as well. You can be at a really good level but somebody can be at a different level, or it’s just that I have the perception at the moment that it’s better to play or start somebody else in the team. It doesn’t mean Myles has done something wrong at all, completely the opposite. So when he has the chance, he has to try to show the level that he’s at, elevate it, and make the decision even harder.”
Opportunities still to come
The Port Vale clash will provide Arteta with the perfect opportunity to give Lewis-Skelly his first start of the campaign. He is almost certain to feature barring any late concerns, and he will be keen to build confidence with a strong display.
Despite his limited minutes so far, it is important to note that Lewis-Skelly is already ahead of schedule in his development. He was not expected to feature prominently last season, and had it not been for injuries to key players, he would not have enjoyed such a breakout year. Looking ahead, there will still be plenty of opportunities for him to continue his progression.
What do you think, Gooners? Should Arteta give Lewis-Skelly more minutes this season?
Benjamin Kenneth
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This is one decision from Arteta that I very well support. Lewis Skelly has stalled on his development (too comfortable), he needs a rain-check for some time i thought the coaches were not seeing his flaws. he holds the ball too long and seems to overestimate his physicality thereby loosing the ball at dangerous positions of the pitch.
Nothing against MLS but why would a strong display against Port Vale build confidence and/or have any bearing on whether he should replace Calafiore in a PL game? It was my preference for him to start in the MC game but of course that may or may not have been best.
This time around I think Arteta is quite right. Skelly has been found out as he cost the team with his cards and conceded penalties. Calafiori is in terrific form now. Only the inconsistencies of Shaw gave Skelly his England spot. The season is just starting Skelly has enough time to recover his form.
Also good for him to want to work harder to get back in the team! Also part of what Managers want to see in terms of mentality
And without injuries last year he would have been on the bench so he is where he is with the added bonus of a great experience last season
He will get plenty of minutes every game for sure. And if Cala gets injured then he has to take his chance