William Saliba gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly's display for Arsenal vs Monaco
Saliba speaks ????️
When Myles Lewis-Skelly was named in Arsenal’s starting line-up against AS Monaco, all eyes were on the youngster to see how he performed during his first Champions League start.
Lewis-Skelly did not shown any signs of nerves, as he looked seemingly eager to get on the ball, going toe-to-toe against seasoned professionals and play his natural game.
The Arsenal technician was widely praised for his showing, as he also provided a pre-assist for Bukayo Saka’s opening strike with a wonderful through ball into Gabriel Jesus’ path.
Saka hailed Lewis-Skelly’s mentality, urging him to believe in himself in the build-up to the hosts’ 3-0 win against Monaco.
French media praised Lewis-Skelly’s performance as well, with several outlets highlighting the highly-rated wonderkid’s confidence in particular.
William Saliba says Myles Lewis-Skelly ‘played so well’ vs Monaco
Arsenal defender William Saliba was full of praise for the 18-year-old after how he fared against Monaco as well.
The Frenchman told TNT Sports: “Myles, 18 years old, he played so well today, Kuba [Jakub] Kiwior as well and Thomas [Partey] is not a right-back but he played well as well so we are happy and we have to adapt to any context.”
With concerns over Jurrien Timber’s fitness and Riccardo Calafiori still ruled out with a groin injury, the teenager was tasked with the responsibility of playing as a left-back and he rose to the challenge.
In October, Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Lewis-Skelly as the kind of player that the Gunners were in need of, due to his ability to drift into midfield, play out wide while being “solid” defensively.
It seems like Arteta might even have more faith in the Englishman after his latest exploits.
Lewis-Skelly did something for Arsenal for the first time since 2011
According to Opta Joe, Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to start in a Champions League game for Arsenal at 18 years and 476 days since September 2011, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played from the off against Olympiakos aged 18 years and 44 days.
Since Oxlade-Chamberlain’s outing over a decade ago, the North London side have still had plenty of talented young players at their disposal.
However, Lewis-Skelly looks like an absolute gem.
The Hale End wonderkid already has the tactical intelligence to be able to play as an inverted left-back at senior level, where he has to adapt a completely new position in defence while roaming into the middle of the park.
However, with how technically gifted and composed Lewis-Skelly seems to be, his display against Monaco was an indicator that he belongs at the highest level already.
What's Your Reaction?
