Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has described Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly as one of his favorite players and said the youngster is too good to remain on the bench.
Richards was speaking after Lewis-Skelly impressed in England’s 3-0 UEFA Nations League win over Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old, who can play at left-back or in midfield, completed the full 90 minutes as England secured victory through a Vladimir Coufal own goal and two goals from Harry Kane.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards praised Lewis-Skelly’s technical ability, pace, strength, and football intelligence.
“Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of my favorite players. Technically he’s very good; he’s strong and fast, he has football intelligence, and he’s still so young as well.”
Richards also recalled the Arsenal academy graduate’s performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League, saying he had rarely seen such a display from a player of his age.
He added that Lewis-Skelly should be playing regularly despite competition from players such as Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and new signing Bruno Guimaraes.
“Lewis-Skelly is too good to be on the bench. He’s one of the best young players I’ve seen at his age, and that’s not an exaggeration. He’s unbelievable, such a delight,” Richards said.
Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future attracted transfer interest during the summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United among the clubs linked with him. Arsenal, however, were reluctant to sell the versatile youngster.
His situation has since improved, with reports indicating that he has started four of Arsenal’s opening five Premier League matches this season.
