Paul Merson says Arsenal have an 'amazing' gem who must be the 'best in the position in the world at his age'
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Arsenal have enjoyed a bright season so far and remain firmly in contention for the Premier League title.
Although it’s not been completely smooth sailing for the Gunners, there have certainly been plenty of positives this term.
Arsenal have made quite a name for themselves in recent years as a club that gives youth a chance, and this has been the case this season.
Paul Merson has now spoken highly about a player who has come through the ranks at Arsenal.
The Highbury icon suggested that said player must now be “the best in the position in the world at his age”.
Paul Merson hails Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ‘amazing’ efforts at Arsenal
The player in question is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been making waves in the Arsenal senior team and is already a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 18-year-old only made his senior debut in September last year, when he made a late cameo in the 2–2 draw away at Manchester City.
Since then, Lewis-Skelly has gone on to make a further 14 appearances for Arsenal, of which eight have been starts.
Merson, writing on Sky Sports News, praised Lewis-Skelly’s “amazing” efforts in breaking into the Arsenal first-team.
He also recalled his own career, in which he had to be the best in England, whereas now players are up against the world’s best.
“It is amazing what Myles Lewis-Skelly has done; to come through the ranks at a big club like Arsenal and to get in the team,” said Merson.
“I was fortunate to do it when I was a kid, but I was playing against the rest of England – he has to be the best in the position in the world at his age.
“You would think he has played 100 games for Arsenal already the way he has fit in. It helps to play with the centre-halves beside him, Arsenal are solid.
“I can’t talk highly enough of him. Any kid who comes through and plays in the Premier League for their club, it’s a massive feat.
“You’re not playing England, you are playing against the rest of the world to get into these teams.”
What other pundits have been saying about Lewis-Skelly
Lewis-Skelly has been earning widespread plaudits from plenty of pundits in recent months.
During the North London derby, Rio Ferdinand said he was “pleasantly surprised” by Lewis-Skelly and explained why.
"Tell you another player who I have been pleasantly surprised I think," said Ferdinand. "Miles Lewis Skelly.
"18 years old. Composed. North London derby. I love seeing young kids come into games like this and treat it like it's any game at school."
Ferdinand also praised Lewis-Skelly for one moment when he intercepted a Brennan Johnson pass after lulling the Spurs man into a false sense of security.
"You know what he done there? He played like he weren't interested," said Ferdinand. "He played like he weren't interested then he pounced and read the ball beautifully."
Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher added: "I have to say, I have not seen him have a bad game for Arsenal or have too many bad moments."
Arsenal legend David Seaman previously said it’s “so incredible” to see how far Lewis-Skelly has come.
