Myles Lewis Skelly

Myles Lewis Skelly – Player Scouting Report

/ Player Analysis

Arsenal’s Hale End talent Myles Lewis Skelly has been creating ruckus in the academy, especially in the higher age groups because of the maturity in his performances from a young age. At 14, he made his England u18’s debut against Reading thrashing them 6-1 whilst scoring a goal

One key reason for his breakout into the first team is not only his technical ability but also his versatility. Could effortlessly play as a #6, #8, #10 or now even as an inverted LB. A quick learner that’s shown signs of rapid development

Myles had been training with the first team for over a season, but pre season was the time he really impressed Arteta which saw him get crucial minutes vs Leverkusen, Liverpool and an assist vs Man United which saw him develop into a key figure

A dynamic midfielder that has transitioned into an important young figure for Arteta. Showcasing his ball winning + ball carrying + technical abilities at work – MLS is peaking to be one of the best youngsters in world football. Let’s dissect his profile

Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Age: 18
Club: Arsenal
Position: LB/CM/DM
Foot: Left
Nationality: English
Value: €6M
Height: 5’10
Avg SofaScore rating: 6.88

Strengths: Composure, Ball Carrying, Passing, Athleticism, Duel Winning
Weaknesses: Weak foot usage

Strengths – IP:

Skelly’s vision in order to break channels, precisely play passes over the heads of defenders is his fav passing technique. Lofted balls + threaded through passes in spaces + vertical passes to the opposite flank – he’s got it all

As an orchestrator from build up, he’s a natural tempo setter who shows braveness and tenacity in his plays. Receiving from the keeper and dictating play either from midfield or inverting from the left he’s got that X factor ability to demonstrate vertical passes

Bold in his ball mastery – knows how to get out of unfavourable situations for the average which vividly goes on to make most of his confidence on the pitch. Inverting has taught him a key trait that he loves to showcase – space manipulation.

He absolutely loves to carry the ball into spaces and ride through the contact – does this with his incredible use of bursts in runs + core strength while shouldering pressure. Positioning + technique in his unique ball control is splendid

Not the tallest of players but his short strides help him in his dribbling radius – keeps the ball in close proximity > helps him to make quick turns to cover ground + also beat plenty of players. A rage bait trait of his which helps in build up

Strengths – OOP:

Skelly’s positional awareness makes him a real monster as a defender that helps him gain the advantage in defensive transitions and bring the solidity. His press resistant ability helps him to take minimal, but effective touches on the ball.

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One big reason for MLS’ popularity on the centre stage is his effortless use of his body. His low COG helps him maximise it to shield the ball, make half turns and lastly utilise his favourite asset of carrying the ball from deep using pace

Areas to improve:

Majority of his passes created or received have been with his preferred left foot, which has its own benefits and drawbacks – but he hardly manages to make it seen. Use of both feet could help him unlock new angles, receive with both feet and also turn press resistant

MLS for his age bracket is very good, his front footed approach is highly rewarding but to go a step further he might need to churn out his dribbling nature and maybe positionally play the game and dictate play through passes

Fit at Arsenal:

Despite midfield being his original position from the academy days, he’s been converted into an inverted LB that likes to dictate play on the ball coming inside and spraying passes + winning duels with his effective positioning

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Tracking runners + keeping them locked to the touchline has seen him make the most of his new position. But his ZOI could well and truly be as a DLP #6 or an #8 that plays through midfield – showcasing passes + winning duels + ball carrying

The left back position has been very kind to him, considering Mikel’s trust to integrate him into the first team from a slender age. Regardless, midfield looks like a position he shouldn’t miss out on because of the qualities he possesses

With the likes of Jorginho/Partey/Zinchenko at the club, there’ll be lots of room for exposure and learnings for Myles to look for, and it’s evidently clear. Versatility at a young age is Arteta’s treasure, and MLS provides just that!

Conclusion:

It’s astonishing as to how quick MLS is growing to become a household name for the Gunners senior team – maturity, composure and his technical brilliance is going to take him places!

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