Declan Rice, Arsenal’s midfield maestro, sparked intrigue after the thrilling 2-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham by hinting at a rising star who might soon don the England jersey. Rice singled out 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, praising his exceptional performance against Spurs and revealing that the England setup holds the young talent in high regard. Lewis-Skelly, a versatile player comfortable in midfield and at left-back, showcased remarkable composure and strength against a formidable Tottenham side, earning plaudits for his maturity and physical presence beyond his years. Rice likened Lewis-Skelly’s strength to that of former Tottenham midfielder Moussa Dembele, highlighting his ability to hold off opponents and create space despite his youthful age.
Lewis-Skelly’s impressive display against Tottenham cemented his place in the Arsenal lineup, even surpassing more experienced players like Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s selection. His start in the North London derby marked a significant milestone, becoming the second-youngest Arsenal player to feature in this historic clash, eclipsed only by a 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas. Arteta echoed Rice’s sentiments, praising Lewis-Skelly’s phenomenal performance and his unwavering self-belief, particularly highlighting his impressive handling of Tottenham’s wingers Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson. This consistent display of talent and maturity at such a young age signifies Lewis-Skelly’s potential for a bright future, not only with Arsenal but potentially also with the England national team.
While Rice acknowledged the fierce competition for places within the England squad, he emphasized the importance of consistent performance at the club level to impress new manager Thomas Tuchel. He pointed out Lewis-Skelly’s versatility in midfield, his ability to play as a number 6 or 8, and his recent adaptation to the left-back role as valuable assets that could enhance his prospects for international selection. Rice suggested that Lewis-Skelly’s understanding of these different roles and his eagerness to learn at such a young age would serve him well in the future.
The North London derby itself was a captivating affair, with Arsenal coming from behind to secure the victory. Son Heung-min gave Tottenham an early lead against the run of play, but Arsenal’s resilience shone through as they equalized through a Gabriel Magalhaes header, later deemed an own goal by Dominic Solanke. Leandro Trossard then put Arsenal ahead just before half-time with a clinical finish, securing the three points for the Gunners. While Rice played a vital role in the victory, contributing to the equalizer and displaying his trademark energy and dynamism, he acknowledged that he is still striving to reach peak form.
Player ratings from the match highlighted the standout performances of Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel, both receiving an 8 out of 10 for their contributions. Rice and Partey earned a 7, demonstrating their solid performance in midfield, while Kai Havertz struggled to make an impact and received the lowest rating of 4. Substitutes like Martinelli, Tierney, and Zinchenko provided valuable support in the latter stages of the game, helping Arsenal secure the win.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence as a key player for Arsenal has undoubtedly caught the attention of the England national team. His versatility, maturity, and impressive performances against top-flight opposition have marked him as one to watch for the future. While the competition for places in the England squad remains intense, Lewis-Skelly’s talent and potential suggest that an international call-up could be on the horizon, potentially fulfilling the prediction made by his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice. His continued development under Mikel Arteta and his ability to adapt to different roles could pave the way for a bright future at both club and international levels. The young Gunner’s journey is just beginning, and the football world eagerly awaits to witness his next steps.
