Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will both be hoping to be included in the Arsenal starting XI against Preston North End this evening.
Mikel Arteta will likely shake up his Arsenal team selection for this EFL Cup clash.
The Spanish coach will seek to rotate his side, affording game time to some figures who have been on the fringes of his squad so far this season. The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling will be keen for game time.
On top of that, this fixture is also a chance to hand an opportunity to some talented youngsters. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have broken into the first team this season, and are now enjoying somewhat regular football, and can take another stride forward in their development in this game.
Lewis-Skelly has impressed with his maturity when called upon, and may feature in either the middle of the park or at left-back against Preston North End. The 17-year-old already possesses the composure and tactical intelligence to perform both rolls.
Meanwhile, Nwaneri will be looking to add to his goal tally, having opened his account for the club with a brace last time out in this competition.
How Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are spoken about at Arsenal
Former Hale End academy coach Dan Micciche worked with Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly during his time at Arsenal.
Speaking to The Standard, he has now revealed that he was struck by how the pair were discussed within the club.
He said: “There were names you always heard about, but what was interesting is that you always heard about them as a pair. It has generally been like Ethan and Myles are spoken about as one.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they both made their senior debut for England in the same game, because honestly their journeys have literally gone parallel.”
How Mikel Arteta is guiding Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly
The teenage duo have now left the academy behind and are part of the first team. However, they are still very much players in development, who require nurturing and guiding.
Nwaneri has been mentored by Martin Odegaard, and the Gunners captain will set an excellent example for the youngster to follow.
Meanwhile, Arteta will be focused on striking the vital balance between giving Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly the game time they deserve and need to progress, whilst ensuring that they aren’t exposed to too much scrutiny and pressure at this nascent stage of their careers.
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