The teenager broke into Mikel Arteta’s squad in the 2024/25 season, initially staking a claim at left-back before moving back to his natural central-midfield role toward the end of the previous campaign. He has earned a spot in the side ahead of more established, world-class options, highlighting the trust the coaching staff places in him.
Lewis-Skelly has also been keeping Mikel Merino out of the starting lineup, with Merino’s performances continuing to draw praise from teammates and observers alike. The Spain international is renowned for his versatility and football intelligence, even if he isn’t a guaranteed starter for club or country.
Merino’s quality has been acknowledged by managers at both club and national level. Recent comments from Spain’s national team coach emphasized Merino’s undervalued contribution and suggested he could compete at the highest level for any team in world football.
In a revealing interview, Lewis-Skelly named Merino as Arsenal’s most underrated player and said he often seeks Merino’s guidance. He explained that he respects Merino’s footballing IQ and his goal-scoring instincts, and he has been eager to learn how Merino converts chances into goals.
This shows a growing maturity beyond his years. For a young player to regularly feature for Arsenal and England while actively seeking mentorship indicates a strong professional mindset. Lewis-Skelly has emphasized that there is plenty still to improve, with goal-scoring as a key area to develop if he is to reach the highest levels of the sport. Merino’s experience and approach make him an ideal mentor for that aspect of his game.
If Lewis-Skelly maintains his humility and hunger to learn, the trajectory suggests a bright future at the top of the game.
