Arsenal’s summer-signing Riccardo Calafiori has backed youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly to become the breakout star of the 2024-25 season. Lewis-Skelly plays as a defensive midfielder and the 17-year-old has been a part of the Gunners’ youth setup.
The north London club have signed Calafiori from Bologna and the Italian is already keeping an eye on the team’s up-and-coming talents. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, several senior Gunners were asked to name their pick for the breakout star of the season.
Calafiori said in a social media video (via The Boot Room):
Myles Lewis-Skelly played a part in the team’s pre-season and journalist Kaya Kaynak claims that the youngster has impressed Mikel Arteta. He said:
“We noted Myles Lewis-Skelly is clearly someone Mikel has a lot invested in. He was applauding those cross-field switch of plays, he was telling him what to do and giving him instructions on the touchline, you don’t do that to a player unless you really care. He seems to have a real investment in Lewis-Skelly.”
Arsenal have seen a few up-and-coming talents come through the academy in recent years. Bukayo Saka is the most notable name on that list and Myles Lewis-Skelly could become the next Hale End graduate to make an impact on the first team.
Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly came on as a substitute during Arsenal’s Emirates Cup win against Olympique Lyon on August 11. William Saliba (9′) and Gabriel Magalhaes (27′) scored in the 2-0 win.
After the game, Mikel Arteta praised Lewis-Skelly for his display. The Spaniard revealed that there were things the youngster did well but pointed out areas that the 17-year-old needs to improve on. Arteta said (via The Boot Room):
“There were a few actions that he did really well, a few he has to understand a bit better- especially the focus and the attention these games demand. He really wants it.”
Arsenal have Jorginho, Declan Rice, and Thomas Partey to operate as defensive midfielders. However, Jorginho is approaching 33 and Partey has been injury-prone in recent seasons.
Hence, Lewis-Skelly could be a good option to have for Arteta. The youngster could perhaps come on in the tail-end of games to get accustomed to the pace and intensity of the top flight.
While he might not be an immediate starter, the Gunners certainly have a significant talent at their disposal and need to polish him to make him sharper.
