Myles Lewis-Skelly in Line for England Call-Up – Thomas Tuchel Must Take Different Approach to Mikel Arteta

Lewis-Skelly’s Breakout Campaign Under Arteta at Arsenal

Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in English football, enjoying a breakout season under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. The 18-year-old has seized his opportunity in the first team following an injury crisis at left-back, quickly establishing himself as a key player for the Gunners. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with England manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly considering him for an international call-up ahead of the upcoming break.

Having made 20 senior appearances so far this season, Lewis-Skelly also marked a milestone by scoring his first goal in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City. With such rapid development, it’s no surprise that he has attracted the attention of the England setup, particularly given the national team’s ongoing struggles at left-back.

England’s Left-Back Crisis and Lewis-Skelly’s Opportunity

For years, England has faced significant challenges in the left-back position. Injuries and inconsistent form have plagued players like Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, while Gareth Southgate often resorted to using right-back Kieran Trippier out of position to fill the void. Given this backdrop, Lewis-Skelly’s emergence at left-back offers a potential solution.

However, while his ability to adapt and thrive in this role is commendable, those familiar with his rise through Arsenal’s academy will argue that left-back is not his best position. A natural deep-lying playmaker, Lewis-Skelly possesses the technical skills and vision that England has long craved in midfield.

Why Tuchel Should Return Lewis-Skelly to Midfield

The discussion around England’s lack of a true deep-lying playmaker has persisted for years. Fans have often wondered why the national team has failed to produce players in the mold of Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, or Sergio Busquets. The recent rise of Angel Gomes under interim manager Lee Carsley was an exciting development in this regard, and Lewis-Skelly has the potential to be another transformative figure in midfield.

Arteta’s decision to deploy Lewis-Skelly as a left-back was born out of necessity, but it has inadvertently altered the trajectory of his development. While gaining valuable minutes at the highest level is crucial for any young player, the long-term vision for Lewis-Skelly should be focused on harnessing his natural abilities in midfield. If Tuchel is serious about integrating young talent into the England setup, he must recognize the teenager’s true potential and give him opportunities to shine in his preferred role.

The Importance of Player Development and Tactical Flexibility

While Arteta’s approach to Lewis-Skelly’s development is understandable, Tuchel has a chance to correct course and utilize him where he can have the greatest impact. The modern game requires tactical flexibility, and having a player capable of excelling in multiple roles is always a valuable asset. However, playing Lewis-Skelly as a left-back for an extended period could hinder his growth in the position where he could truly excel.

England’s midfield has often been criticized for lacking creativity and composure in deep-lying roles. If Tuchel wants to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, he must consider players like Lewis-Skelly who can offer something different. His technical ability, passing range, and defensive awareness make him an ideal candidate to play in a role England has struggled to fill.

Conclusion: A Crucial Decision for Tuchel

Myles Lewis-Skelly has already proven his versatility and resilience, making a name for himself as an emergency left-back for Arsenal. However, his long-term development should be carefully managed to ensure he fulfills his potential in central midfield. Thomas Tuchel has a golden opportunity to make a statement by selecting Lewis-Skelly for the England squad and allowing him to showcase his skills in his natural role.

If his performances at left-back are anything to go by, the rewards of playing him in midfield could be even greater. The England manager must take a different approach to Mikel Arteta and provide Lewis-Skelly with the platform to develop into the playmaker that the Three Lions have long been searching for.