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Lewis-Skelly delighted by Arsenal academy youngsters’ mentality
06th August, 2026 06:45 AM
Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has praised the club’s emerging academy talents after watching them impress during the Gunners’ recent pre-season preparations.
Having successfully progressed from the Hale End Academy to become an established first-team player, the 19-year-old understands the challenges young footballers face while trying to earn opportunities at the senior level. Since making his breakthrough, Lewis-Skelly has already accumulated 75 appearances for Arsenal and now serves as a role model for the next generation.
Several academy prospects joined Mikel Arteta’s senior squad during the pre-season tour of Spain and Ireland, with many featuring in the 4-1 victory over Girona before also getting minutes in Wednesday night’s clash against Real Betis.
Lewis-Skelly was pleased by the confidence and attitude shown by the youngsters, believing they embraced the opportunity with maturity.
“They’re all so coachable, definitely. They’re all so willing to learn, willing to impose themselves on the game and credit to them for being able to step on this pitch with personality. That’s one thing I always tell them, be brave, be courageous and be yourself when you’re playing.”
The midfielder also reflected positively on Arsenal’s pre-season tour, saying the squad has made significant progress as they continue preparations for the new season.
Having started in each of the club’s last two friendly matches, Lewis-Skelly believes both his own condition and the team’s overall sharpness are improving.
“Overall, we just take so many positives from this trip away. As a team, we have more clarity; we’re a lot fitter as a bunch of boys. We take a lot of positives away from the overall experience and just momentum for the next upcoming games we have.
“It’s always amazing to be back at home, be back in front of our fans, in front of our people. It will be good to be back.”
With pre-season nearing its conclusion, Arsenal will now turn their attention to the remaining fixtures before the start of the 2026/27 campaign, hoping to build on the positives gained from their preparations.
