Thierry Henry has called on Mikel Arteta to give Myles Lewis-Skelly a starting role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, following the teenager’s outstanding performance against Fulham.
Lewis-Skelly Shines in First Start in Midfield
The 18-year-old was handed his first-ever start in his preferred central midfield position as Arteta made several changes for the weekend’s Premier League clash. Lewis-Skelly repaid his manager’s faith with an energetic and physical display, helping Arsenal secure a crucial 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
His inclusion came at the expense of Martin Zubimendi, who has shown signs of fatigue after a gruelling campaign that has seen him make 52 club appearances this season. Speaking on Sky Sports, Henry highlighted the intensity Lewis-Skelly brought to the midfield.
‘Miles was just different,’ Henry said. ‘I didn’t see Zubimendi do that often – the legs, anticipation, stopping someone, boom, making someone feel that you are there; he was there all the time.’
Zubimendi Expected to Return, but Henry Favours Youth
Zubimendi is expected to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday’s decisive second leg, as Arsenal aim to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. While acknowledging that the Spaniard offers more ‘security’, Henry argued that Lewis-Skelly deserves another chance.
‘Because of the magnitude of the game, he’s going to think to be a bit more secure,’ Henry explained. ‘But Lewis-Skelly showed that that might be a new position for him in terms of next season. He did extremely well. I wouldn’t mind if he starts him but then I can understand because of the magnitude of the game and how Zubimendi plays, sometimes you need to be a tiny bit more secure. We will see. But in this game, he was brave.’
Henry praised the teenager’s readiness and composure, noting that despite a lack of recent game time, Lewis-Skelly controlled the game and drove forward with purpose. ‘It’s one thing to be patient. It’s one thing to maybe be upset about the situation. But he was ready. He didn’t look like he didn’t play for a very long time. He controlled the game. He went forward. He buzzed the game at times. That’s outstanding.’
‘Do not underestimate experience in this type of game. But would I like to see him on Tuesday? Obviously, yes. Why not?’ Henry added.
Team News: Odegaard and Havertz Available
Earlier on Tuesday, Arteta confirmed that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are back available for selection, but Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with an injury. The Gunners will need to overturn a deficit from the first leg to keep their European dream alive.
