Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old Arsenal defender, showcased his immense talent in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, despite the Gunners’ defeat. The Hale End graduate played a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s side, helping them reach the last four of the competition. His standout performance did not go unnoticed, as UEFA included him in their all-star team of the week, highlighting his significant contribution to the match.
UEFA said: “The 18-year-old left-back halted both dribbles he faced and showed his own ball-carrying ability when taking the ball past Achraf Hakimi before teeing up Martinelli for Arsenal’s best attempt of the first half.”
Lewis-Skelly’s performance was marked by his ability to glide past opponents, creating opportunities for his team. His inclusion in UEFA’s team of the week alongside top players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Denzel Dumfries, Marquinhos, and Francesco Acerbi is a testament to his growing reputation in European football. The UEFA Technical Observer Group specifically noted his moment of brilliance against Achraf Hakimi, which set up a significant chance for Arsenal.
Rio Ferdinand said: “First half, we had probably one of the best seats in the house. We were sitting just behind where Lamine Yamal was doing his damage and just mesmerising this whole stadium. I was talking about the amount of times he impacted a sequence of play. Every part of his foot he was using today. The different detail, the different way he was moving his body to receive the ball. Every facet of his game was on show. It’s the way he’s taking over games for moments. It’s great to see that.”
While Lewis-Skelly’s performance was a highlight, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal also caught the eye with his exceptional play against Inter Milan. Yamal, the only player younger than Lewis-Skelly on UEFA’s list, was praised by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick for his stunning first-half goal and his ability to break the lines and feed the ball into the box more than any other player. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports, was full of praise for Yamal’s talent and his ability to influence the game in multiple ways.
Lewis-Skelly’s inclusion in UEFA’s all-star team of the week is a significant achievement for the young defender, reflecting his potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the future. His ability to perform at such a high level in a crucial Champions League match highlights his readiness to compete on the biggest stages in football.
