Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his admiration for teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly after another eye-catching performance that underlined his rapid development and maturity on the big stage.
Speaking after the Athletico Madrid game, Arteta praised the youngster’s attitude and progress, highlighting just how far he’s come in less than a year.
“If you look at it from what he’s done from December last year to now, at his age, at this level, it’s incredible,” Arteta said. “But I said it before, he’s been really focused, really humble, and really good. I thought he was really good today.”
Lewis-Skelly, who has seamlessly transitioned from Arsenal’s youth ranks into the senior setup, has become a symbol of the club’s thriving academy system. His composure, energy, and intelligence on the pitch have already made him a fan favourite, and Arteta made sure to acknowledge just how important that attitude has been.
The Spaniard also took a moment to praise another standout performer, Gabriel Martinelli, whose energy and intensity mirrored Lewis-Skelly’s impact.
“I think Myles and Gabby (Martinelli) were superb. The impact, the team, the results, they were ready from the beginning, and the boys that come in again, and we use them in different ways.”
Arteta’s words reflected not just satisfaction with individual performances, but with the collective spirit in his squad, a team increasingly defined by competition, adaptability, and hunger.
When asked about the growing competition for places in his side, Arteta stressed that this internal rivalry is exactly what drives elite teams forward.
“This is what we need, and when you look at the top teams in Europe, that’s what they have,” he explained. “We have to manage that in a really cohesive system, when everybody understands that they’re going to have different roles throughout the game, or in different games.”
The Arsenal manager was clear that while rotation and role changes are part of his tactical evolution, the ultimate mission remains the same.
“But at the end, the outcome is to earn the right to win games, and to win games. That’s the ultimate goal, and we are seeking the same thing.”
For a player like Lewis-Skelly, who only a year ago was breaking through at youth level, Arteta’s faith and words of praise are a sign of just how bright his future could be at Arsenal, a club where talent and attitude continue to go hand in hand.
