Mikel Arteta is starting to assemble one of the strongest squads in Europe, and this is leading to several top Arsenal stars being left on the bench.
Andrea Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer saw a drastic overhaul of the squad, with seven new players being added.
Arsenal’s squad depth has notably improved this season and allowed the Gunners to compete on all fronts, despite the growing injury list.
However, that is causing some tough selection decisions for Mikel Arteta, and there is one Arsenal star in particular whose minutes have significantly dropped.
Jamie O’Hara is a big fan of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly
Jamie O’Hara is a big fan of Myles Lewis-Skelly and believes that the Arsenal defender would walk into most Premier League teams.
But right now, Riccardo Calafiori is in great form and has secured the left-back spot, leaving the 19-year-old spending much of his time sitting on the bench.
Lewis-Skelly has played just 86 minutes of Premier League football this season and is yet to make a single start in the competition.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arteta has no plans to loan Lewis-Skelly out, with the Spanish coach keen to ensure his squad remains strong.
Speaking about the young Arsenal defender, O’Hara told Sky Sports News: “I think he’s a brilliant footballer. The first thing he has to concentrate on is getting in front of Calafiori. In terms of you know, as a future star, Myles Lewis-Skelly will be an England international.”
Most clubs in Europe would love the chance to sign the Hale End talent on loan, and O’Hara has also backed up that claim.
“I think he’s there or thereabouts for every other side. He’s a young kid who had a quick rise to fame last season, a hugely talented football player,” added the former Premier League midfielder.
Thomas Tuchel’s message for Myles Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal
England boss Thomas Tuchel has informed Lewis-Skelly that he needs to be playing more minutes at Arsenal to be selected for his squad, according to Sky Sports.
The teenager was omitted from the latest Three Lions squad, which will leave him sweating over his starting spot ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Speaking about the situation, Sky Sports News’ reporter Rob Dorsett said: “My understanding is that Thomas Tuchel has told him he needs to be playing more football if he’s going to be a candidate for that World Cup squad next summer.”
Currently, he is competing with Djed Spence, Lewis Hall, Dan Burn and Luke Shaw for the left-sided full-back role.
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