Micah Richards says Arsenal full-backs Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly cannot be forgotten about due to the form of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners have enjoyed an exceptional start to the new season, winning 13 of their opening 15 matches in all competitions, and their full-backs have been a significant part of this success.
While Mikel Arteta’s team have conceded just three goals this term, Timber and Calafiori have arguably contributed as much to Arsenal’s attack as their defence.
The Dutchman and the Italian have understandably earned plaudits, but Arteta also has two other outstanding full-backs waiting to play in his ranks.
Micah Richards says Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly can’t be forgotten about
It’s been a somewhat frustrating season for White and Lewis-Skelly.
Just over 12 months ago, the former was a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline, while the latter usurped Calafiori in the pecking order last term.
Both players have been somewhat on the periphery this campaign. White has struggled with injury and hasn’t had a look-in when he has been fit, because of Timber’s exceptional form.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly has already been warned by Thomas Tuchel that his place in the England squad for the World Cup is at threat due to his reduced role at Arsenal.
Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, former Premier League defender Richards reminded people of the two full-backs’ quality.
“Let’s not forget Ben White, because I always feel like when people are performing well, we forget about the ones who come in and do well,” he said.
“Ben White comes in, and Lewis-Skelly comes in, especially Lewis-Skelly in a Champions League game where he got that assist, and he burst through free play.
“They’ve just got really good players all over the field.”
Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly should start vs Slavia Prague
In Arsenal’s set of fixtures between the September international break and the October one, they faced Olympiacos in their second Champions League match.
Arteta used this game to rotate around the edges of his team, and that’s exactly what he should do again this time around against Slavia Prague.
White and Lewis-Skelly should come in and allow the Spaniard to rest Timber and Calafiori, both of whom have had injury issues since joining Arsenal.
The 19-year-old Hale End graduate’s inclusion is particularly necessary, given that Martin Zubimendi is suspended.
With the Spanish midfielder unavailable, Declan Rice will likely move to the number six position, and he’ll need a left-back to invert and sit next to him in a double pivot, a role that suits Lewis-Skelly.
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