Arsenal are reportedly plotting to change a Hale End wonderkid’s position after internal talks, a move that could be genius.
Mikel Arteta is no stranger to converting Arsenal players into new positions, with Ben White converting from a centre-back into a right-back, with Bukayo Saka also learning a number of roles under the Basque coach.
With last season seeing Jakub Kiwior become a left-back for Arsenal have originally been signed to be a centre-back, it seems like we will see more positional changes for the Gunners heading into the new year, where Arteta will want to expand on his tactical versatility.
And one Arsenal wonderkid could now be in line for a position change.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly could be converted into a left-back
Speaking on the Arseblog Arsecast, journalist James McNicholas shared that ‘discussions’ have taken place at Arsenal surrounding Hale End prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly and the midfielder potentially being played at left-back.
This isn’t the first time the teenager has been suggested as a fullback for Arsenal, and with Arteta yet to have a young option in the position, Lewis-Skelly could be used to learn from the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyau in the role.
READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases
McNicholas said when asked about Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal ahead of the new season: “There has been a lot of excitement about Myles Lewis-Skelly, but I feel that part of the pitch may be more congested.
“I see him at the base of the midfield but there have been discussions about moving him to left-back as well as a Zinchenko-style inverted left-back, but I think his best position is at number six.”
Lewis-Skelly could be exceptional at left-back for the Gunners
Midfielders and fullbacks have seen a lot of tactical overlap in recent years following Pep Guardiola’s revelations in the position, with the aforementioned Zinchenko naturally a central midfielder before finding his place at left-back.
And in Lewis-Skelly, the England youth international could be exceptional as a left-back for Arsenal, with the teenager having all the technical qualities needed to excel in the position and to really make an impact in the role.
Indeed, whilst it might take some time for Lewis-Skelly to learn the position, testing out the idea in next season’s Premier League 2 could be a wise idea for Arsenal, who clearly have big things in store for the 17-year-old.
