Arsenal have two academy players who could genuinely play for England one day - opinion

09/08/2024 11:45 AM

Arsenal have a rich history of academy players graduating to the first-team.

Bukayo Saka is the shining example of that having developed in the Hale End Academy before becoming one of Arsenal’s most influential players under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship.

Saka has established himself as a world-class winger and will be a source of inspiration to many coming through the ranks.

With that said, it seems The Gunners have another two academy stars who could genuinely play for England one day – just like Saka.

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Ethan Nwaneri could play for England one day

Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player to ever pull on the Arsenal strip in a senior game and in fact, the youngest player in Premier League history.

The left-footed playmaker was just 15 years and 121 days old when he made his debut in September 2022.

Two years on, Nwaneri has continued to develop with the under-21s and put up some outstanding numbers last season.

The 17-year-old netted 18 times whilst laying on four assists and even got another appearance under his belt with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Nwaneri has represented England at youth level and looks destined to make the senior set-up in the future.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig provided a summary of his profile.

“Modern midfielder who sees the game differently from most revealing creativity, cleverness at his off-the-ball movements, great vision, and passing ability orchestrating or providing dynamism to the team's build-up process with ease and effectiveness.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly destined for a big future

Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is another who’s showing the promise to one day to represent the Three Lions at senior level.

Like Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly is also a regular for England’s youth teams after his impressive showings in The Gunners’ under-21 set-up.

He’s also a left-footed midfielder but operates in a much deeper role, often as the number six, dictating the tempo of games.

Kulig described Lewis-Skelly is an ‘orchestrator.’

“Knows how to dictate tempo, he's creative and has the natural ability of an 'orchestrator' midfielder who can perform at all midfield positions.”