Myles Lewis-Skelly entered the new season with expectations of becoming a regular starter for Arsenal. Following the departures of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko, the path seemed clear for him to establish himself as first choice at left-back. With only Riccardo Calafiori competing for the role, the opportunity appeared within his grasp.
However, the opening match of the campaign changed the picture. Calafiori was selected to start and produced a standout performance, immediately convincing the coaching staff of his reliability. That display proved decisive, as he has retained his place in the starting eleven since then, leaving Lewis-Skelly in a supporting role.
Competition at Left-Back
Lewis-Skelly has responded with determination, continuing to train intensively in search of opportunities. His talent is not in doubt, and his regular involvement with the England national team highlights his growing reputation. Yet for the moment, breaking into the Arsenal line-up has proven difficult. Calafiori’s blend of consistency and effectiveness has created a barrier that Lewis-Skelly has not yet been able to overcome.
A report in the Daily Mail suggests that Calafiori’s selection is based on more than just early form. The Italian leads in several attacking metrics, which align with Arsenal’s tactical emphasis on building play from wide areas. Additionally, his height provides a valuable advantage in aerial duels, offering defensive security and an extra dimension in set-piece situations. These factors have given him an edge over his younger teammate in the battle for the starting role.
A Long Season Ahead
Despite the current hierarchy, the season is long and full of challenges. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion will inevitably create chances for rotation. For Lewis-Skelly, the key will be to maintain his readiness and continue developing in training. His quality ensures he will have a role to play, and when opportunities arise, he must make them count.
Although he may have temporarily lost the starting berth, Lewis-Skelly’s potential and attitude suggest he remains an important part of Arsenal’s future. For now, patience and persistence will be essential as he competes for his place in a highly competitive squad.
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All of a sudden Lewis Skelly has gone from a regular starter for Arsenal and the breakout new left back for England to a bench warmer for both teams.
Calafiori is the real deal
Miles learning from him
Long season ahead
Lewis Skelly is young and still has a lot to learn, his natural position isn’t left back but midfield, Calafiori is a natural and I believe a game changer, both are excellent players abs both will get better and better
Calafiori is my choice to start more higher profile games ie against our rivals and difficult opponent. Whether he’s “…the real deal” as a reliable LB has to do with whether he can keep his fitness? For which reason MLS is more of a safeguard than an understudy to Calafiori who is yet to provide the team with a season of full fitness. Not criticism its simply an observation.
MLS tendency to make mistakes when under pressure in
dangerous aera´s specially when Raya play´s the ball
through the middle. Lewis then tries to win a foul. He has
a lot to learn this season..
MLS won’t play long term. Saka started there and ended up on RW !
I think we will see him in midfield though lots of competition there also !
Great for Arsenal not so great for some of the players now there is such competition
But our young guns have time on their side but also have to earn the position
Neil, Saka only started at LB because we had no fit LBs. He came through the academy playing on the LW.
Let’s not forget MLS is not by trade a LB although his skill set and best endeavor in some of our big games against Citeh, Real Madrid has helped his transition – from promising reserve – into the first team regular back-up to Calafiori – this is the best LB set up. All in all both Left-backs are works-in-progress.
MLS has come a long long way thanks to hard work, the arsenal coaching setup and of course his mother and father who it appears monitor, handle his progress (incl his profile) keenly.
They are absolutely brilliant players. Arsenal is truly blessed to have them both 🙏