Myles Lewis-Skelly, a promising young footballer, made his mark with a debut for Arsenal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Now, just six months later, he stands on the brink of potentially making his England debut in a World Cup Qualifier against Albania. Having recently turned 18 in September, Lewis-Skelly’s rapid ascent from Arsenal's U21 squad to the national stage has been nothing short of remarkable.
Despite being relatively new to senior-level football, Lewis-Skelly has displayed a defensive prowess that has caught the attention of both fans and coaches. Notably, he has excelled in one-on-one situations and possesses the highest pass accuracy rate in the Premier League when under pressure, boasting an impressive 93.2 percent. His ability to maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios is further demonstrated by his record of not being dribbled past in his 14 Premier League appearances this season.
Lewis-Skelly's performance metrics are indicative of his potential. His duel success rate positions him just ahead of renowned defender Virgil van Dijk, marking him as a formidable presence on the field. However, his aggressive style of play has not gone unnoticed, as he has received two red cards during his tenure. He was fortunate to avoid another during Arsenal's 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.
"The line is really thin in sport and he needs to understand that." – Mikel Arteta
Lewis-Skelly’s journey is a testament to his resilience and skill. As recently as October, he was still part of Arsenal's U21 team, yet his defensive capabilities have propelled him into the Premier League spotlight. His call-up to the England squad is a source of pride for Arsenal’s coaching staff, both past and present. If he takes to the field against Albania, he will become England's 11th-youngest player.
"I would challenge you to find any outstanding and dominant young player like Myles who doesn't push the limits and the boundaries sometimes," – Alex Nichols
"He has phenomenal physical and technical capabilities. He is so strong for a young man, which has always been a big development point of his." – Alex Nichols
Lewis-Skelly’s evolution as a player is notable not only for his technical abilities but also for his maturity on and off the pitch. His calm demeanor and assuredness have been integral to his development.
"He has taken a lot in his stride," – Alex Nichols
"He is a brilliant personality, very lively, but he also has a very calm approach to challenges and a quiet self-assuredness that comes naturally to him." – Alex Nichols
His rapid progression and adaptability have impressed many within the football community, prompting comparisons to more experienced players.
"I can understand it feels like we are fast-forwarding a career that is already on a fast pace," – Thomas Tuchel
"The quality and maturity" demonstrated with Arsenal won out. – Thomas Tuchel
As Lewis-Skelly prepares for what could be his debut on the international stage, his story is one of dedication and exceptional talent. His impressive statistics and consistent performances for Arsenal have paved the way for an exciting future in football.
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