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Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has praised rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly, describing the 18-year-old as a “natural leader” following his breakthrough for both club and country.
Lewis-Skelly, a left-back who has become a regular in Mikel Arteta’s side, received his first England senior call-up last week and could make his debut in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley. His rapid rise has been mirrored by fellow teenager Ethan Nwaneri, who has been promoted to England’s under-21 squad.
Wilshere, who previously coached both players as Arsenal’s under-18 boss, reflected on their talent and mentality, highlighting what sets them apart from their peers.
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“They were just doing things that none of the other players could do,” Wilshere told The Independent. “That helped me understand that these two were destined to play for Arsenal.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly (image credit: Getty Images)He emphasised Lewis-Skelly’s leadership qualities compared to Nwaneri’s individual drive: “Myles is more of a natural leader. He wants to bring everyone with him, whereas Ethan is just really driven, always asking, ‘What do I need to do?’”
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“They never got distracted by social media or outside noise. They knew what they wanted to achieve—and they’ve done it.”
Wilshere, who left Arsenal in October to become a first-team coach at Norwich City, is confident that Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri can achieve great things under Arteta. He also credited the Arsenal boss as a major inspiration behind his own transition into coaching.
“I want to be a head coach,” Wilshere affirmed. “Coaching wasn’t something I thought about at the start of my career, but Mikel was the one who made me want to do it.”
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