Myles Lewis-Skelly has quickly established himself as one of Arsenal’s top performers this season, impressively displaying his immense talent on the field. The young midfielder has filled in at left-back in recent matches. Not surprisingly, the best player on the pitch in both legs against Real Madrid was Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. Alongside him, Ethan Nwaneri has made headlines as the youngest player in Premier League history, having debuted at just 15 years and 181 days old last September. These two players are just the tip of an exciting iceberg that constitutes Arsenal’s future. Their development highlights the extraordinary success of the club’s Hale End academy.
The impact that the Arsenal academy has had on the team’s first squad this season can hardly be overstated. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have both seamlessly integrated into the senior lineup. Just a few short weeks ago, Lewis-Skelly was celebrating scoring his first international goal for England! That would be more than enough to make their performances relentless entertainment for fans and to leave a strong impression on Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta’s beard. He’s the unsung hero behind their evolution.
Impressive Performances Against Real Madrid
Myles Lewis-Skelly left no doubt in anyone’s minds with his spectacular showings against Real Madrid. He displayed poise and playmaking ability beyond his years on one of football’s grandest stages. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game has been his quick adjustment to a spell as an attacking left-back. He looked at home at the hallowed Bernabeu – now that would tell you all you need to know about a player’s confidence right there.
“I wanted to remind myself that I’d been here before, and I tried to stay calm and remain calm,” – Myles Lewis-Skelly
This approach not only enabled him to play his best, it helped him tap into the active experience of being in the moment. Lewis-Skelly highlighted the importance of remaining composed, stating, “The calmer you are, the clearer you think. That was my thought process.”
The young player’s strong performances have helped seal Arsenal’s place as one of the top teams in European competitions. His willingness to stretch himself and learn from Arteta has been key to his development.
A New Era for Arsenal’s Academy
Ethan Nwaneri joyously accepted Arsenal’s praise after scoring the second goal as they beat PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. This remarkable achievement only deepened his cachet within the group.
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have been friends since early childhood. That close friendship drives their chemistry when they’re playing together. Their shared experiences and support for one another, both off the field and on, inform their outstanding performances while they tackle the challenges of professional football.
“There’s Max [Dowman] coming through but it is not just him. There’s going to be someone that comes through because it is in the Hale End DNA to produce players,” – Myles Lewis-Skelly
Lewis-Skelly reiterates that talent is definitely cultivated at Hale End, and the academy is a place that develops strong values in its players. This base has already been so important as they have become first-team staples.
Learning from Arteta
Myles Lewis-Skelly gives a lot of the credit for his success to the level of detail and instruction from Arteta. He’s adamant there’s more to be learned from the veteran coach. This new coach has a very strong desired direction in terms of cultivating young talent.
“From young, my mum has installed in me the positive psychology of journalling, manifestation and gratitude. Ultimately, believing you are the best,” – Myles Lewis-Skelly
It’s an attitude of mind that has influenced Lewis-Skelly’s experience on the field and behind the scenes. His commitment to personal growth is on full display as you see him train and rehearse world championship visualization techniques every day. For the visualisation aspect, he explains, “Visualisation is a huge one for me as well.”
Both players are currently on a sabbatical from team practice in Dubai. They all glowingly look back on the paths they’ve taken and the critical life skills that journey has endowed them with. They are ambitious and they work hard. Simultaneously, they fuel one another’s development in the cut-throat environment that is elite-level football.
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