Big-Game Player Lewis-Skelly Must Start Against Real Madrid—End of Story

Whoever thinks Myles Lewis-Skelly shouldn’t start as Arsenal’s left-back against Real Madrid clearly isn’t being serious.

I’ll admit, I was initially among those who thought Charles Watts had a point when he suggested shifting Jurrien Timber to left-back for the game. Given the experience and defensive solidity that Timber and Ben White bring (in the fullback positions) as natural they are centre-backs, I had hoped it would better equip Arsenal to deal with Real Madrid’s wingers.

However, I’ve had a change of heart. Mikel Arteta should stick with Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

For the Gooners who watched England’s matches against Albania and Latvia, can there really be any doubt about the Hale End graduate’s ability to perform on the biggest stage?

Against Albania, according to Sofascore, the young talent earned a solid 7.7 rating on his England debut. Not only did he score, but he also won three ground duels, recorded an impressive 93% passing accuracy, and completed a successful dribble.

On Monday night against Latvia, the 18-year-old once again stepped up. With a Sofascore match rating of 7.5, he proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Completing 77 of his 78 passes, delivering one key pass, making a clearance and an interception, and winning two of his three ground duels, he showed just how effective he can be.

Myles Lewis-Skelly in his first two games for England against Albania and Latvia:

168 minutes
1 goal
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