When Myles Lewis-Skelly first burst onto the scene this season, what stood out immediately was his confidence and bravery. From squaring up to Erling Haaland in his debut to having the audacity to rile up the Madridistas at the Bernabéu, he has displayed a fearlessness beyond his years. That same boldness has been evident in his performances throughout the campaign.
Despite not being a natural full-back, he was developed as a midfielder in the youth ranks. Lewis-Skelly has made the defensive role his own. Mikel Arteta on positions Lewis-Skelly can play. His adaptability, maturity and positional awareness have impressed many supporters. Yet, one of his more underrated attributes has emerged in recent weeks: his knack for winning fouls in tight areas. For a team looking to build from the back under pressure, this quality is an invaluable asset.
The secret behind his foul-winning success
Taking a closer look at his game reveals a possible explanation for this growing strength. As observed by myself previously: The clever use of his upper body strength facilitated by his arms is a huge reason for his foul winning abilities. When under pressure, Lewis-Skelly positions himself smartly between the ball and his opponent, shielding possession while driving forward.
It is in this moment that his upper body control becomes decisive. He holds off defenders using his arm while continuing to advance with the ball, often luring opponents into reckless challenges. This has made him one of the most fouled Arsenal players this season. He ranks second in the Premier League squad with 43 fouls won, despite playing just 21 matches. Only Leandro Trossard, with 45 fouls won in 36 appearances, has more.
Fine-tuning a growing strength
However, this approach does come with some risk. There have been occasions when his arms have risen too high, catching opponents in the face and risking a booking. With disciplinary issues already surfacing, it is essential that he keeps his arm usage controlled and at chest height to avoid unnecessary cautions.
Still, the upside remains clear. If Lewis-Skelly can consistently win fouls higher up the pitch, Arsenal could benefit even more from his unique strength. In a side that values quick transitions and composure under pressure, this ability may become one of his most important contributions.
Just one observation — but what do you think, Gooners?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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Such a talented young man. What I admire most is his ball-carrying ability. Though, that’s typical of a midfielder he originally was.
Beautiful article highlighting his strength, unlike some people who only emphasise on his imperfections.
Injuries to first team players made him deputies at left back which is not his main position.
I see him as a great central midfielder in the near future.
So he should be moved up to deputise Rice or Zubimendi.
But it is looking like next season he will still deputise for Calafiori at left back.
It’s standards mate
If your a left back and you start from December – May and the teams results are poor December -May and your making lots of mistakes you can’t just ignore it
I agree though his talented going forward and think midfield could be the way to go
The decline was not solely on Skelly, so you can’t put it all on him.
The absence of key players like Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Jesus and loss of form of Odegaard resulted in the decline since December.
In fact, the only error he made that cost us dearly was against WestHam, when he fouled Kudus instead of just passing the ball back to Raya and we were already 1 goal down before he got sent off.
The red card against Wolves we still ended up winning the match and the red card was averted because it was a wrong call.
The other mistakes did not result to any goal conceded.
Skelly had a 6/10 season for me and that’s good for his debut.
Yeah dude and if it were any other player who had played December – May I would point it out
I agree with 6 out of 10
I don’t agree though that West Ham was his only poor game or only time he cost us
I think you meant when Kudus fouled him first with an elbow to his head or so . . . with our friends – the match officials choosing from what footage fits their script.
Great player he is.
He has been targeted like Nketiah was.
I just hope he doesn’t break.
Gyokeres.
Gittens. Odegaard. Saka.
Rice. Zubimendi.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
SECOND TEAM –
Havertz.
Martinelli. Fabio. Nwaneri.
Merino. Partey.
Skelly. Kiwior. White. Tomiyasu.
Garcia.
SUBS – Trossard, Jesus.