Myles Lewis-Skelly hails Arteta’s role in Arsenal breakthrough

DDM News

(DDM) — Rising Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s tough but inspiring coaching approach was key to his rapid progression into the club’s senior squad.

The 18-year-old, who burst onto the scene last season, made 15 starts in the Premier League and appeared seven times in the Champions League, becoming a crucial figure at the Emirates.

His form earned him a maiden England call-up, and he marked his debut against Albania with a goal.

Now established as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back for the 2025/26 season, ahead of Ricardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly credits Arteta’s high standards and leadership for shaping his professionalism.

Speaking to GQ magazine, the teenager described Arteta as “demanding in the best way.”

“He holds you to a high standard,” Lewis-Skelly explained. “If you don’t meet that standard, he’s going to let you know.

You can’t get away with being silly in training. You’ve got to be on your A-game and apply yourself.”

According to DDM, the left-back’s maturity and tactical intelligence have impressed both coaching staff and fans.

Lewis-Skelly has already made 43 appearances for the Gunners and continues to be seen as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League.

He attributed much of his progress to his ability to absorb lessons from experienced teammates and respond quickly to instructions.

“My ability to take in information quickly has really helped,” he said. “It allows me to know exactly where I need to be, and what to expect from other players.

That comes from studying great players and lots of practice.”

Among those he studies closely are England midfielder Declan Rice and fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka.

“Declan is a sensational leader, he always knows the right thing to say,” he added. “And Bukayo has been through a similar journey, so I often ask him how he navigated it.”

Lewis-Skelly’s breakout year is not only a testament to his own discipline and talent but also a sign of Arteta’s growing reputation for developing young players into elite professionals.

With the new season on the horizon, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how far the young star can rise under the manager’s guidance.

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