Every now and then, FIFA introduce new rules into football that completely change the game.
Introducing the backpass rule, allowing five substitutes in a game and, of course, the introduction of VAR have all affected top-level football in recent history.
Now, FIFA have cooked up another idea that could change the way teams are made up.
Via ESPN, FIFA reportedly plan to introduce a rule requiring teams to field at least one homegrown under-21 player at all times could have a major impact on squad building, and for Arsenal, it might come at the perfect time for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 19-year-old has fallen out of favour in recent months. Opportunities have become limited, and there have even been questions about his long-term future at the club. However, a rule like this would instantly change his situation.
If you could set Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s price tags, how much would you demand?
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal career could be saved.
Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the big winner if FIFA do implement this rule change.
Clubs would no longer be able to rely purely on experience or established stars for every minute of every game. They would need a young, trusted option they can deploy without weakening the team. That is where Lewis-Skelly comes back into the picture.
He has already shown he can perform at the top level.
Lewis-Skelly has delivered strong performances in big games, proving he is not just a prospect but a player capable of handling pressure. The issue has not been ability, it has been opportunity and competition within the squad.
At Arsenal, the easiest position to integrate a young player consistently is perhaps at left-back.
Yes, there’s an argument that Max Dowman or Ethan Nwaneri could fulfil this role, but in order to get one of those players in the team, you need to remove Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard.
Dropping players like Riccardo Calafiori or Piero Hincapie is far less disruptive than removing key attacking players or the captain. That makes Lewis-Skelly a practical option in a way others are not.
Lewis-Skelly showed last year in big games and big moments that he is able to perform when it matters, and while he hasn’t been trusted in that role this season, he could be back in the mix next term.
Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future looked uncertain a few weeks ago, but, now, he could, once again, become a key player.
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