England legend says Arsenal youngster is one of the best in his role

Stuart Pearce has spoken highly of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, describing him as one of the best left-backs currently in the Premier League. The young defender emerged from Arsenal’s academy into the first team last season and has quickly established himself as one of the standout performers in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The club clearly recognises his importance, positioning him as the primary competitor to Riccardo Calafiori for the left-back role. Arsenal have a long history of producing elite talent in that position, with Ashley Cole serving as one of the most celebrated examples of their academy’s success. Over the years, the left side of defence has often been occupied by graduates of their youth system, reinforcing the club’s reputation as a place where young players are nurtured and developed into world-class professionals.

Arsenal’s Tradition of Elite Left-Backs

Lewis-Skelly is the latest in this line of talent, and his performances highlight how effectively Arsenal continue to identify and develop promising players. His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with many observers seeing him as a player capable of becoming a defining figure for the club in the coming years.

Pearce, who himself experienced life as an understudy to Kenny Sansom before witnessing Cole’s emergence, drew comparisons to that tradition when praising the Arsenal full-back. Speaking via Goal, he explained, “Off the top of my head, there’s very few that are much better than Myles Lewis-Skelly, if I’m being quite honest with you. He’s got room for improvement. Year on year you expect him to get a lot better. Arsenal have got a great reputation when it comes to developing left backs. I had to play understudy to Kenny Sansom. And then after that, Ashley Cole obviously developed as an outstanding left back for them. Myles has been playing for one of the best sides in the Premier League, so I think he’s as good as most.”