'I just said to him': Saka shares what pre-match advice he gave Lewis-Skelly before his Arsenal heroics v Monaco
Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly had a night to remember on Wednesday as he shone on his full Champions League debut against Monaco. At 18...
Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly had a night to remember on Wednesday as he shone on his full Champions League debut against Monaco.
At 18 years and 76 days old, Lewis-Skelly became the youngest Gunners player to start in the Champions League since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in September 2011.
Lewis-Skelly went on to deliver an impressive display for Arsenal, which included a superb pass through the lines in the lead-up to Bukayo Saka’s opener.
The teenager’s display earned him a standing ovation from the Emirates Stadium supporters, with fans also praising Lewis-Skelly on social media.
Saka, speaking after the game, explained what he told Lewis-Skelly ahead of the game as he sung his praises.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka says the Champions League is Myles Lewis-Skelly’s level
Saka was asked by TNT Sports about what pre-match advice he gave Lewis-Skelly.
“I just said to him, like I said to him before the game, that this is his level,” said the Arsenal star, who scored a brace on the night.
“He needs to have no doubts and play with confidence.
“What he’s doing, we see it in training. I was pleased with him, he was a big part of the first goal.”
Saka then shared what Lewis-Skelly needs to do to build on his impressive display against Monaco.
“He’s very bright,” said the England international. “He just needs to keep the same head that he’s got.
“His mentality is top, he’s always asking questions, eager to learn. I’m so proud of him.”
How media outlets rated Lewis-Skelly display
The Evening Standard gave Lewis-Skelly a 7 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.
‘A first Champions League start for the academy graduate,’ they wrote. ‘Played the Zinchenko role, inverting into midfield.
‘Brilliant pass through the lines in build-up to opener. Clearly has trust of senior teammates.’
Meanwhile, football.london gave Lewis Skelly an 8 out of 10 for how he did against the Ligue 1 side.
‘A really accomplished first Champions League start,’ they wrote.
‘He was heavily involved with the goal via a superb through ball and showed composure beyond his years to dribble away from markers on several occasions in front of the back four.’
Arsenal are next in action on Saturday afternoon as they host Everton in a 3pm kick-off in the Premier League.
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