Ian Wright has weighed in on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s best position following Arsenal’s emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The Arsenal legend believes the youngster will ultimately thrive in central midfield as a No.8, despite his ability to play in multiple roles.
Lewis-Skelly’s Versatile Role Under Arteta
Lewis-Skelly returned to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for Tuesday’s first-leg tie after missing Arsenal’s draw with Nottingham Forest due to suspension.
However, the 18-year-old’s inexperience was evident, and he was withdrawn in the 35th minute after picking up an early yellow card before almost receiving another.
Lewis-Skelly is guilty of youthful exuberance and a bit of naïvety, nothing more.
You can already see some are DESPERATE to start creating a narrative though
pic.twitter.com/atA7xmhoYa— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) March 4, 2025
The decision to substitute Lewis-Skelly proved effective, with his replacement Riccardo Calafiori going on to score the seventh goal in Arsenal’s dominant display.
Other scorers included Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard.
Wright’s Verdict on Lewis-Skelly’s Best Position
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright praised Arsenal’s attacking movement but also addressed Lewis-Skelly’s disciplinary issues.
“He could have easily been sent off; it just depends on the referee,” Wright noted.
“He’s young, playing in multiple positions, and still finding his feet. But he has to manage his bookings because that kind of reputation can stick.”
Despite his rawness, Wright was adamant about where Lewis-Skelly’s future lies.
“Do you know something? He’s a No.8, man. You can see that all day long. I can’t wait for that to happen,” he stated.
⚽️ Nwaneri
🅰️ Lewis-SkellyTwo English teenagers have combined for a goal in the Champions League for the first time in the competition's history. 💫 pic.twitter.com/DrHSROzgVl
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 4, 2025
Fitting Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori Into Arsenal’s System
Wright also discussed how Arteta might integrate both Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori into his setup, particularly given their roles on the left side of the pitch.
“You look at what we’ve got on that left side—him [Calafiori] and Myles Lewis-Skelly. I’d love to see how Arteta fits them in. Myles can play as a six or an eight, and Calafiori can swap between left-back and midfield.”
For now, Arsenal will turn their focus to a Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
With Lewis-Skelly available again following his suspension, Arteta will have a decision to make regarding his left-back selection.
However, Wright is confident that, in time, Lewis-Skelly will cement himself as Arsenal’s best No.8 option.
