Myles Lewis-Skelly’s England spot threatened by Arsenal playing time dilemma. Arsenal young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly faces a serious challenge: though he was able to feature in the England national team, his career in the national team is at stake because of the lack of playing time in his club. The 19-year-old left-back is in a tricky situation, torn between international goals and facing more minutes on the pitch at Arsenal against Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
A Breakthrough Hit by Squad Competition
The sudden rise of Lewis-Skelly was among the most discussed issues of the last season, as the teenager has proven his position as the first-choice left-back in the Arsenal team and entered the England team. His breakthrough however has not met a major challenge with this campaign.
Mikel Arteta has had his defensive options changed due to the summer acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori. Having had a season before disrupted by injury, Calafiori went out this season with a fire in his heart and has become one of the main players, beginning the new Premier League year with a bang. This has had a direct influence on the position of Lewis-Skelly, whose English prospect position has dropped down the pecking order to the Italian and a watching brief on the majority of the current season in the Premier League.
Tuchel’s Clear Warning from England
The England manager Thomas Tuchel has not remained blind to the club situation because he has given the young defender a clear public warning. When Tuchel was complimenting Lewis-Skelly by stating that he is a very good player, and a fantastic teammate within the England camp, it would not be sufficient to retain his position in the long-term.
A Crucial Period Ahead
In the case of Myles Lewis-Skelly, there is one way to go. He has to use all his chances to impress Arteta be it with cup competitions or on the bench of a substitute. At risk of a suspension as well in the event that he wins two more yellow cards, a chance in the Premier League may not be too far away with Calafiori. This stage of high competitions will be crucial in the case of the talented 19-year-old as he struggles to save his career both on the club and the international level.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
