Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is never afraid to change his players’ positions.
From bringing Bukayo Saka back to an attacking role after using him at left-back to playing Mikel Merino as the striker, he has made some big decisions over the years.
Arteta has been flexible this season as well, having used the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze in different roles.
Now, we think the Arsenal manager could change another player’s position – Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Mikel Arteta could use Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield as Arsenal receive injury boost
Lewis-Skelly has lost his place as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back.
The Englishman, hailed as a player with ‘scary’ potential by Saka on Sky Sports, was absolutely incredible under Mikel Arteta last season and produced brilliant performances against some big teams.
This season, the Arsenal manager has preferred Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. That has kept Lewis-Skelly on the bench more often than not.
Now, Piero Hincapie has returned from his injury, and the Ecuador international will be in contention to get some minutes at left-back.
That could further reduce Lewis-Skelly’s game time in that role, but Arteta could fix that by deploying him in the middle of the park.
The Arsenal academy graduate grew up as a central midfielder, but it was his manager who changed his role over a year ago. But the 18-year-old is far more comfortable in central areas.
Declan Rice once even compared Lewis-Skelly to Mousa Dembele, the former Tottenham star who was unplayable at times.
Arsenal have plenty of options in the middle of the park, but Lewis-Skelly’s style of play is completely different to what’s available, and we think he could have a big impact in that role.
Mikel Arteta explains what Piero Hincapie will bring to Arsenal
Arsenal signed Piero Hincapie on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and they are expected to make that move permanent next year.
The Ecuador international can play at left-back as well as left-centre-back, and his performances in Germany were really impressive.
Hincapie has only made one substitute appearance for Arsenal so far. An injury kept him out for a few weeks, but he is back now, and Arteta has explained exactly what he will bring to his side.
He said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “What you’re going to see is his aggression, his determination. He’s a player who goes full gas to every single action, especially in defending.
“And with the ball, whether he plays a left centre-back or a full-back, a player who is very clean on the ball. Again, someone who really wants to penetrate, whether it’s with the ball or his positioning.
“He will bring a different character and emotion to the team.”
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