Such is the running power and physical strength of Myles Lewis-Skelly, he was once compared with the most devastating player in the history of rugby union. In a youth match between Arsenal and Chelsea a few years ago, Lewis-Skelly surged through midfield with such extraordinary force that an academy coach said: “It’s like Jonah Lomu, isn’t it?”
Comparisons between rugby and football rarely work, but in the case of Lewis-Skelly there are legitimate parallels to be drawn. Firstly, because of that Lomu-esque strength to knock opposition players to the floor. Secondly, because the Arsenal teenager is already a master of one of rugby’s most eye-catching skills: the hand-off.
In football, the use of the arms is generally associated with defending. A powerful defender might use his arms to lever an opponent off the ball, or to move his body across an attacker while jostling for possession. But for Lewis-Skelly, the arms are also attacking weapons. He regularly uses them to drive past opponents, win fouls and generate space in tight areas.
It is a rare skill, even in the Premier League, and an attribute that has been hugely important to Lewis-Skelly’s remarkable breakthrough campaign. A frequent sight this season has been the 18-year-old receiving the ball under pressure, throwing out his arms to shield the ball and then playing his way out of trouble.
The most striking example of his strength and awareness came on his England debut, when he scored against Albania. As he raced on to Jude Bellingham’s pass, Lewis-Skelly’s instinct was to reach out his right arm and seek contact with the defender, Jasir Asani. In pushing Asani away, Lewis-Skelly bought himself a crucial extra second, creating the angle for a finish between the goalkeeper’s legs.
“He has always been very comfortable running past players and holding people away from him and very far from the ball,” said Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager. “It is a natural thing.”
This ability to alter the pace of the game is one of the many reasons why Arsenal are so keen to extend Lewis-Skelly’s contract and secure his services for the long-term. The academy graduate’s current deal expires at the end of next season (the summer of 2026), and is therefore becoming an increasingly pressing issue for the club. For Andrea Berta, the new sporting director, an improved contract for Lewis-Skelly is surely one of the top priorities.
Most footballers look to avoid opponents when they are dribbling. Lewis-Skelly, by contrast, often appears to seek them out. Once they are within touching distance, he uses his arms and strength to generate momentum by pushing them away. He is able to do this from a standing start, or while running at top speed.
