'He was built in a lab!' - Declan Rice says 'very special' Myles Lewis-Skelly destined to reach the top after impressive Arsenal display

Lewis-Skelly, a product of Arsenal’s esteemed Hale End academy has impressed with his versatility. Naturally a midfielder, he has adapted seamlessly to playing as a left-back due to Arsenal’s injury challenges and Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands. Despite having four experienced left-backs - Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney - available on the bench, Arteta placed his trust in the teenager and he did not disappoint.

In the match against Ipswich, Lewis-Skelly delivered his finest display yet in an Arsenal jersey. It marked the first time he completed a full 90 minutes for the senior team, with his performance showcasing his maturity and skill. With 86 touches of the ball, he completed 58 of his 59 passes, achieving a 98 per cent accuracy. His creativity shone through as he crafted two goal-scoring opportunities. The young defender also made three tackles, two clearances and won eight of his nine ground duels.

Speaking to Arsenal's website, Rice highlighted the teenager’s rare combination of physicality, technical skill, and composure.

“He can go to the top, this kid is just special, very special," he said. "For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong – it was like he was built in a lab! I said that to him the other day, it’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go. He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him, I know his mum looks after him really well and all the boys at the training ground do too.

“We have a really good crop of youngsters coming through and he can be what he wants to be, he just needs to stay focused and always want more and he can do that.”

Following his standout performance, Lewis-Skelly has undoubtedly bolstered his case for regular inclusion in Arteta’s lineup. With Brentford awaiting Arsenal on New Year’s Day, the youngster will hope to retain his spot and continue his rapid ascent.