“If Arteta Wants the Best Out of Skelly, He Needs to Play Him Here”: Tuchel Suggests New Position for Arsenal’s Rising Star Myles Lewis-Skelly

England manager Thas Tuchel has ignited fresh discussions over the future of Arsenal’s young sensation, Myles Lewis-Skelly, by suggesting that his best position may not be the one he currently occupies. Tuchel, a coach renowned for his tactical expertise, believes the teenager’s potential could be fully realized if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta considers a positional change.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Tuchel made a bold claim regarding Lewis-Skelly’s ideal role, stating:

“If Arteta wants to get the best out of Skelly, he needs to play him in this other position.”

This remark has left Arsenal fans and football analysts wondering—what is the new position Tuchel envisions for the talented midfielder?

What Is the New Position Everyone’s Talking About?

Myles Lewis-Skelly has primarily excelled as a central midfielder in Arsenal’s youth setup, showcasing a blend of technical brilliance, energy, and composure beyond his years. However, Tuchel believes the 18-year-old would thrive in a more advanced role—either as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder or as an attacking playmaker.

Such a shift would allow Lewis-Skelly to fully utilize his ball-carrying ability, his natural flair in tight spaces, and his knack for progressing the ball under pressure. Comparisons to legendary midfielders like Yaya Touré and Paul Pogba have already begun, with many seeing glimpses of their dynamism in the youngster’s playstyle.

Tuchel’s Tactical Rationale

Tuchel’s suggestion isn’t without merit. The German coach is known for identifying and refining young talent, and his tactical mind has shaped the careers of many elite players. His view on Lewis-Skelly’s best position stems from the idea that the teenager’s ability to break lines and contribute in attacking phases would be better utilized if given the freedom to push forward.

At present, Arsenal’s midfield is structured with Declan Rice operating as the anchor, shielding the defense, while Martin Ødegaard plays a creative role in advanced areas. Lewis-Skelly, if deployed as a more attacking midfielder, could bridge the gap between both roles—offering a mix of defensive tenacity and offensive penetration.

Arsenal’s Midfield Dynamics

Arteta has built a balanced midfield at Arsenal, with a strong emphasis on tactical discipline. However, the Spanish coach is also known for his willingness to adapt and experiment with young players. Given Arsenal’s depth in midfield, Lewis-Skelly’s transition into a new role might not be immediate, but the long-term benefits could be significant.

The biggest question for Arteta will be whether Lewis-Skelly is ready for such a role in Arsenal’s system. While his development has been promising, shifting him into an attacking midfield role would require tactical tweaks and additional responsibilities in high-pressure situations.

Lewis-Skelly’s Perspective

Despite the increasing hype around his potential, Lewis-Skelly has remained grounded. Reports suggest that the teenager is eager to prove his versatility and would be open to exploring a new role if it benefits his development and Arsenal’s tactical setup.

Tuchel’s remarks may also resonate with England’s youth coaches, who have closely monitored Lewis-Skelly’s performances. If given more freedom to attack, he could become a valuable asset for both Arsenal and the England national team in the coming years.

The Historical Significance of Position Changes

Football history is filled with examples of players who flourished after a positional switch. Steven Gerrard evolved from a box-to-box midfielder into an attacking playmaker at Liverpool. Kevin De Bruyne was once an out-and-out winger before being transformed into a world-class central attacking midfielder. Could Lewis-Skelly follow a similar trajectory under Arteta’s guidance?

A Decision for Arteta

Mikel Arteta has a reputation for making bold tactical decisions, and Tuchel’s comments could give him something to ponder. While it remains to be seen whether he will adjust Lewis-Skelly’s role, the mere suggestion highlights the youngster’s growing reputation as one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects.

One potential scenario could see Arteta gradually easing Lewis-Skelly into an attacking role through cup competitions and late-game substitutions. If he excels in these opportunities, he may soon become a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield setup.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond club football, Tuchel’s endorsement suggests that England could benefit from a more advanced Lewis-Skelly in the future. The Three Lions have an abundance of midfield talent, but a player with his unique blend of physicality and technical ability could offer something different on the international stage.

The evolution of midfield roles in modern football places greater emphasis on versatility. With his combination of defensive awareness and attacking prowess, Lewis-Skelly could develop into a hybrid midfielder—capable of excelling in multiple roles depending on the tactical setup.

What’s Next for Lewis-Skelly?

The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Arteta takes Tuchel’s advice into account. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, squad rotation will be necessary, and this could provide the perfect opportunity to test Lewis-Skelly in a more advanced role.

Fans will be eager to see how the teenager develops, and whether his skillset aligns with Tuchel’s vision. If the experiment works, Arsenal could have a future superstar in their ranks—one capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of where he ultimately plays, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s talent is undeniable. His combination of agility, vision, and technical ability makes him a player to watch in the coming years. Whether as a central midfielder or an attacking force, his journey at Arsenal is only just beginning.

For now, the debate will continue: Should Arteta take Tuchel’s advice and deploy Lewis-Skelly further up the pitch? Or is his current role best suited for his development? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this is a name we will be hearing a lot more in the future.