How Myles Lewis-Skelly took the Premier League by storm at just 18: Already the league’s best passer, fixing Arsenal’s fatal flaw and the trick that makes his team-mates better too

Myles Lewis-Skelly is a name that’s rapidly gaining recognition in the world of football, especially after his remarkable debut in the Premier League. At just 18 years old, he has managed to make an enormous impact in one of the toughest leagues in the world, with performances that have left fans, pundits, and even established players like Erling Haaland in awe of his talents. His rise to prominence has been swift, and his ability to influence games has set him apart from many others. It’s not just his ability to play well under pressure, but his consistent reliability in key moments that makes him stand out. He’s already being compared to some of the league’s best players, and it seems like he’s just getting started.

His breakthrough moment came when he scored Arsenal’s third goal in their dominant 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. The celebration that followed his goal—a mimicry of Haaland’s meditation gesture—was a light-hearted tribute to the player who had once questioned who Lewis-Skelly was after their first encounter in September. At that moment, it was clear that Lewis-Skelly had well and truly arrived on the Premier League stage. His goal, which was the result of a well-timed forward run, showed not only his ability to finish but also his growing understanding of the game. The manner in which he executed that finish, calm and composed, was a sign of a player who has the ability to perform under pressure.

What is it about Myles Lewis-Skelly that makes him so special? For one, his tactical understanding of the game is far beyond his years. Since making his first league start in December, he has taken up a unique role for Arsenal, playing as an inverted full-back. This position allows him to tuck inside when Arsenal are in possession of the ball, contributing to their build-up play from the back in a 3-2-5 formation. This system, which Mikel Arteta employs to great effect, requires players who are technically adept and comfortable with the ball at their feet. Lewis-Skelly fits that role perfectly. His ability to carry the ball and distribute it efficiently has been a revelation for Arsenal, especially since Arteta values players who can keep possession and build from the back.

Since taking on this role, no player in the Premier League with at least 400 minutes of playing time has a higher pass success rate than Lewis-Skelly, who boasts a staggering 96 percent. This is an impressive statistic in itself, but what makes it even more remarkable is the fact that he has played 250 passes and completed 240 of them. His accuracy and composure on the ball are unmatched, and he leads the league for pass success rate in both his own half and the opposition’s half. What’s even more telling is that no Arsenal player has lost possession fewer times than him during this period. He’s become the heartbeat of the team’s passing game, providing a sense of calm and control whenever he has the ball. His passing ability allows him to dictate the tempo of the match, which is an invaluable asset for Arteta.

Apart from his exceptional passing ability, Lewis-Skelly also excels in other aspects of the game. He’s an incredibly difficult player to dispossess. Despite being up against much stronger opponents, including the likes of Erling Haaland, he rarely gets knocked off the ball. His strength and composure under pressure allow him to maintain possession in tight situations, which is crucial when playing in such a high-stakes league. On top of that, he has been remarkably solid defensively. He’s not been dribbled past once in his time playing for Arsenal in the Premier League. This is an incredible feat for any defender, let alone an 18-year-old. His defensive statistics are equally impressive, with his ability to win duels among the best in the league. Only two players, including Virgil van Dijk, win a higher percentage of their duels than Lewis-Skelly, further highlighting his defensive prowess.

His impact extends beyond individual statistics. Lewis-Skelly’s presence on the field has helped bring balance to Arsenal’s attack. Before his arrival in the starting lineup, Arsenal were heavily reliant on their right flank to create chances, primarily through Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka. This made their attack predictable and one-dimensional. However, Lewis-Skelly’s ability to contribute to the left-hand side of the pitch has given Arsenal more balance in attack. Since his first start, the percentage of chances created down the left flank has risen from 23 percent to 36 percent. This shift has made Arsenal less predictable and more difficult to defend against. With Saka’s injury sidelining him for a period, this balance has been even more important, and Lewis-Skelly has stepped up to provide that stability.

While Lewis-Skelly is not necessarily known for his creative flair, his tactical awareness allows others to thrive. A key example of this is his partnership with Declan Rice. Lewis-Skelly’s positioning and ability to maintain possession have allowed Rice to make more forward runs without the fear of leaving his side vulnerable. Rice, who has been known for his box-to-box capabilities, has been able to push higher up the pitch and contribute more in attacking areas. In recent matches, Rice has created several chances and delivered more passes into the box, something he was not doing earlier in the season. This has had a knock-on effect on the entire team, with Arsenal now playing more fluidly and attacking with greater intent.

One of the most memorable moments in Arsenal’s recent win against Manchester City came when Lewis-Skelly pushed forward into the front five. This forward run, which saw him receive the ball and score Arsenal’s third goal, was a prime example of his ability to contribute in both defensive and offensive phases of the game. His versatility allows Arteta to deploy him in various areas of the pitch, providing Arsenal with tactical flexibility. The fact that he was able to push forward and score, all while maintaining his defensive responsibilities, further solidified his importance to the team.

His development has been nothing short of remarkable, and he has quickly become a key player for Arteta. In just a few short months, he has gone from an unknown quantity to one of the most reliable players in the squad. His performances have been so consistent that it’s hard to believe he’s still only 18 years old. His maturity on the ball and his composure in high-pressure situations have earned him the trust of Arteta, who has increasingly relied on him in big games. For a teenager to play with such maturity in one of the most competitive leagues in the world is a testament to his quality and his work ethic.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is a player who’s already achieved so much in a short period of time, and his potential is undeniable. His passing ability, defensive strength, and versatility have made him one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. While his impact on Arsenal’s attack has been significant, it is his overall contribution to the team’s balance that has made him indispensable. As Arsenal continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, Lewis-Skelly will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success. He has shown that, despite his age, he is more than capable of handling the pressure that comes with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. In the future, there’s no doubt that Myles Lewis-Skelly will continue to grow as a player and solidify his place as one of the league’s finest talents.