Ian Wright, Arsenal’s celebrated former striker, has voiced his frustration over the limited playing time given to young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly. Despite a promising breakthrough season, the 19-year-old has found himself increasingly sidelined, a situation Wright believes is detrimental to both the player and the team.
Lewis-Skelly’s ascent was remarkable last year, featuring prominently for Arsenal, even in high-stakes Champions League matches against Real Madrid. His ability to seamlessly transition from defense into midfield, offering an extra layer of control and creativity, was a key asset. Yet, this season has told a different story.
Mikel Arteta has consistently favored Piero Hincapie as cover for Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, effectively relegating Lewis-Skelly to third-choice. This decision was particularly puzzling to Wright, especially given the recent Carabao Cup final against Manchester City where the youngster wasn’t even brought on as a substitute.
Wright argues that Lewis-Skelly’s unique skillset – his comfort on the ball and ability to invert from left-back – could have significantly impacted Sunday’s match. He believes a player capable of linking play from the back was precisely what Arsenal lacked in their defeat.
“He had an unbelievable game against Real Madrid last time,” Wright recalled. “Then he’s kind of been dropped back out of it, and I’m thinking in that game, on Sunday, a left-back who can invert is what we need.” He emphasized the importance of having a footballer in possession, someone who can connect passes and alleviate pressure.
The lack of opportunity is not only hindering Arsenal, Wright contends, but also potentially stifling Lewis-Skelly’s development. He believes regular playing time, even in crucial matches, is vital for building confidence and realizing a player’s full potential.
Wright passionately stated that seeing a player like Lewis-Skelly enter the game and make a positive impact could have ignited the team and energized the fans. The disappointment, he explained, stems from witnessing a valuable asset remain unused when the team desperately needed a spark.
While Lewis-Skelly recently signed a long-term contract with Arsenal, speculation has emerged linking him with a move to Manchester United, potentially as a future replacement for Luke Shaw. This underscores the high regard in which the young player is held, even outside of his current club.
Wright’s plea is clear: give Lewis-Skelly a chance. He believes the youngster possesses the talent and capability to make a significant contribution to Arsenal’s season run-in and beyond, and that denying him that opportunity is a disservice to everyone involved.
