Myles Lewis-Skelly has primarily excelled as a central midfielder in Arsenalโs youth setup, showcasing a blend of technical brilliance, energy, and composure beyond his years. However, Tuchel believes the 18-year-old would thrive in a more advanced roleโeither as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder or as an attacking playmaker.
Such a shift would allow Lewis-Skelly to fully utilize his ball-carrying ability, his natural flair in tight spaces, and his knack for progressing the ball under pressure. Comparisons to legendary midfielders like Yaya Tourรฉ and Paul Pogba have already begun, with many seeing glimpses of their dynamism in the youngsterโs playstyle.
Tuchelโs Tactical Rationale
Tuchelโs suggestion isnโt without merit. The German coach is known for identifying and refining young talent, and his tactical mind has shaped the careers of many elite players. His view on Lewis-Skellyโs best position stems from the idea that the teenagerโs ability to break lines and contribute in attacking phases would be better utilized if given the freedom to push forward.
At present, Arsenalโs midfield is structured with Declan Rice operating as the anchor, shielding the defense, while Martin รdegaard plays a creative role in advanced areas. Lewis-Skelly, if deployed as a more attacking midfielder, could bridge the gap between both rolesโoffering a mix of defensive tenacity and offensive penetration.
Arsenalโs Midfield Dynamics
Arteta has built a balanced midfield at Arsenal, with a strong emphasis on tactical discipline. However, the Spanish coach is also known for his willingness to adapt and experiment with young players. Given Arsenalโs depth in midfield, Lewis-Skellyโs transition into a new role might not be immediate, but the long-term benefits could be significant.
The biggest question for Arteta will be whether Lewis-Skelly is ready for such a role in Arsenalโs system. While his development has been promising, shifting him into an attacking midfield role would require tactical tweaks and additional responsibilities in high-pressure situations.
Lewis-Skellyโs Perspective
Despite the increasing hype around his potential, Lewis-Skelly has remained grounded. Reports suggest that the teenager is eager to prove his versatility and would be open to exploring a new role if it benefits his development and Arsenalโs tactical setup.
Tuchelโs remarks may also resonate with Englandโs youth coaches, who have closely monitored Lewis-Skellyโs performances. If given more freedom to attack, he could become a valuable asset for both Arsenal and the England national team in the coming years.
The Historical Significance of Position Changes
Football history is filled with examples of players who flourished after a positional switch. Steven Gerrard evolved from a box-to-box midfielder into an attacking playmaker at Liverpool. Kevin De Bruyne was once an out-and-out winger before being transformed into a world-class central attacking midfielder. Could Lewis-Skelly follow a similar trajectory under Artetaโs guidance?
A Decision for Arteta
Mikel Arteta has a reputation for making bold tactical decisions, and Tuchelโs comments could give him something to ponder. While it remains to be seen whether he will adjust Lewis-Skellyโs role, the mere suggestion highlights the youngsterโs growing reputation as one of Arsenalโs brightest prospects.
One potential scenario could see Arteta gradually easing Lewis-Skelly into an attacking role through cup competitions and late-game substitutions. If he excels in these opportunities, he may soon become a key figure in Arsenalโs midfield setup.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond club football, Tuchelโs endorsement suggests that England could benefit from a more advanced Lewis-Skelly in the future. The Three Lions have an abundance of midfield talent, but a player with his unique blend of physicality and technical ability could offer something different on the international stage.
The evolution of midfield roles in modern football places greater emphasis on versatility. With his combination of defensive awareness and attacking prowess, Lewis-Skelly could develop into a hybrid midfielderโcapable of excelling in multiple roles depending on the tactical setup.
Whatโs Next for Lewis-Skelly?
The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Arteta takes Tuchelโs advice into account. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, squad rotation will be necessary, and this could provide the perfect opportunity to test Lewis-Skelly in a more advanced role.
Fans will be eager to see how the teenager develops, and whether his skillset aligns with Tuchelโs vision. If the experiment works, Arsenal could have a future superstar in their ranksโone capable of influencing games at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of where he ultimately plays, Myles Lewis-Skellyโs talent is undeniable. His combination of agility, vision, and technical ability makes him a player to watch in the coming years. Whether as a central midfielder or an attacking force, his journey at Arsenal is only just beginning.
For now, the debate will continue: Should Arteta take Tuchelโs advice and deploy Lewis-Skelly further up the pitch? Or is his current role best suited for his development? Only time will tell, but one thing is certainโthis is a name we will be hearing a lot more in the future.