Arsenal defender Miles Lewis Skelly was one of the Premier League breakout stars last season, but is now facing a fight to make Mikel Arteta’s current starting XI
The loving soccer writer, who spends most of his life on the highway, will take part in games across the country. I’m passionate about soccer, my work, and mirrors. The Premier League is the best in the world and I always believe England has a chance. Arsene Wenger: Author of Wenger, The Inside Story of Arsenal.
It was one of the most memorable moments of last season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was caught up in Erling Haaland by mimicking the Manchester City striker’s “Zen” goal celebration after scoring in a 5-1 victory at the Emirates in February.
It was in response to Haaland screaming, “Who are you?” With Louis Skelly after City snatched a final 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September. Well, if Haaland didn’t know who the teenager was 12 months ago, everyone is doing it now.
That rivalry will only help raise tensions and create bitter rivals for Arsenal and the city. It certainly is a red hot atmosphere when they head straight to the Emirates on Sunday.
18-year-old Louis Skelly was a groundbreaking player last season as he came from anywhere to make his Arsenal debut, becoming a regular on the first team and forced him towards England’s set-up.
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This season has been much more difficult as Arsenal has not yet begun games and managed just 66 minutes in three Premier League alternatives.
One of the most talked about and exciting young players in the country may have to make it in time for a bench spot against City on Sunday.
Riccardo Calafiori seizes his opportunity and starts all the games at left back, with Lewis-Skelly facing a big fight to regain his position. One of the biggest issues is the defenders of the Lewis-Skelly game, which Mikel Arteta has been working hard on.
His trademark movement is a pirouette-like turn, as he loves to run with the ball, dribble and then turn into space. In fact, Lewis Skelly is naturally a midfielder rather than a back, and it’s easy to forget that his natural instincts do more than he protects.
Lewis Skelly owned against Tottenham before the season, allowing Pipe Searle to score from long distances. In February, Lewis Skelly lost ownership over West Ham and was sent to commit a foul to try and recover.
Gunners boss Arteta is believed to have rocked the touchline to Lewis-Skelly to throw away the ball this season and took him aside to tackle that part of his game. Arteta loves the players and is worshiped by Arsenal fans.
England boss Thomas Tuschel chose Louis Skelly for World Cup qualifiers earlier this month to start him against Andorra, but dropped him from the team in the match against Serbia.
But in that thought process, Tuchel offered some very wise words. He said he wasn’t sure he would call him when he was very young last season, but he did so and also had an obligation to stick to him when he struggled with a bit of dip.
And that’s definitely what happened here. Lewis Skelly is grounded because he has good people around him, but like his teenage talent, there are bumps on the road.
He must work on his game, iron the faults and show great resolve to regain his place, so it can be argued that he may be learning more from this season.
Lewis Skelly signed a five-year contract last season and his future remains very bright. Last season, injuries were the only ones that gave him the opportunity to fill out as an emergency option.
But now, Calafiori plays like the £42 million Italian International, where he was signed. After the struggles of his own injuries last season, he is now attacking, rampaging, strong – it’s so much fun to watch. He takes some shifts.
However, Lewis Skelly has replaced three of Arsenal’s four league games this season. If he does that again on Sunday, I think he’ll get an incredible reception.
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