Rio Ferdinand Shocked by Mikel Arteta Decision to Drop Arsenal Star

Rio Ferdinand shocked by Mikel Arteta decision to drop Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly, sparking debate among fans and pundits.

Football pundit, Rio Ferdinand, was shocked by Mikel Arteta decision to bench Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly. The former Manchester United defender said, “I can’t believe he’s not in the team,” during a recent discussion on his YouTube channel.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of Arsenal’s most promising young talents. He made his debut in September 2024 and quickly became a key player for the Gunners. Known for his versatility, Lewis-Skelly played both as a left-back and a midfielder during the 2024–25 season.

His standout performances helped Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals and finish as Premier League runners-up. He also earned his first England cap and was named Young Player of the Season by top pundits including Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

Why Did Arteta Drop Lewis-Skelly?

Despite his impressive form, Myless Lewis-Skelly has not started any of Arsenal’s first six Premier League matches this season. Instead, Riccardo Calafiori has taken his place at left-back. Lewis-Skelly has only made brief substitute appearances, including a late cameo in Arsenal’s 2–1 win over Newcastle.

Rio Ferdinand questioned the move, saying, “Sometimes you have to do something wrong to get out of the team, surely?” He suggested that Lewis-Skelly’s technical ability and defensive reliability make him a better option than Calafiori.

Arteta’s Explanation

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Lewis-Skelly’s future lies in midfield rather than defense. He stated, “He’s much more a midfielder than a full-back,” and emphasized the importance of managing young players’ development carefully.

The return of Myles Lewis-Skelly to the starting lineup is a topic of great interest among supporters and analysts as Arsenal continues its title challenge. With his talent and composure, many believe he deserves a more prominent role.

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