Arsenal fans were wowed by one player in particular during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrived in N5 with the goal of becoming the first Real Madrid squad to beat Arsenal in the Champions League.
It was 19 years ago that the two sides met, with Arsenal winning 1-0 against Madrid in 2006, a result that Mikel Arteta would’ve dreamt of ahead of this year’s clash.
In the early stages against the Galacticos, the Gunners put in the work to ensure they saw the majority of the ball, keeping the Emirates on side with a cauldron-like atmosphere.
Arsenal’s defence marshalled Real Madrid’s front line well early on, however, one member of the back four did far more than tend to his defensive duties.
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Starting at left-back was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose breakthrough season continues to go from strength the strength.
After Lewis-Skelly made his England debut during the March international break, the teenager was handed a start against the Champions League holders, making his presence known from the first whistle.
On social media, Arsenal fans were unable to contain their excitement regarding the Englishman’s performance, reacting to the game on X.
“Lewis Skelly how do you do this… 18 bro 18,” a Lewis-Skelly admirer asked other Arsenal supporters.
Another said, “18 year old MLS terrorizing the Madrid defense. What a brilliant player.”
From ‘unbelievable’ to ‘magnificent’, praise for the robust left-back flooded in as he starred playing the inverted role.
Lewis-Skelly’s has been magnificent on the ball. 👏🏿
A real gem
— Hammed Rotimi Akinyemi (@HammedAkinyemi) April 8, 2025
18-years-old Myles Lewis-Skelly is the best player on the pitch against Real Madrid.
Mad.
— Oliver (@olivernehila) April 8, 2025
“Lewis-Skelly’s has been magnificent on the ball. A real gem,” a fan said, as a fellow Arsenal supporter declared, “18-years-old Myles Lewis-Skelly is the best player on the pitch against Real Madrid. Mad.”
When watching the versatile Hale End graduate in action, it’s easy to forget that he is only 18, prompting one fan to dub the starlet, ‘fearless’.
“Myles Lewis-Skelly. 18 year old. Was our 4th choice LB when the season started. Today, against Real Madrid, he has been our best player on the pitch in first 30 minutes. Unbelievable mentality. Fearless.”
The academy product started at left-back but consistently burst into midfield, showing shades of his growth as a central midfielder back at Hale End.
“Lewis Skelly is picking locks through that midfield,” a fan said, as others made their admiration for the youngster clear.
“MLS I’m already applauding,” and, “Myles Lewis Skelly is best so far.”
Think back to 2011 when Jack Wilshere charmed Barcelona at the Emirates and one will find a similar level of excitement over Lewis-Skelly’s swagger against Real Madrid.
For an 18-year-old in his first season at senior level, the newly-capped England international certainly showed why he’s rated so highly in N5.
If the Gunners were the go on and win the tie, Lewis-Skelly’s name would be the name on supporter’s lips over the next decade, just as Wilshere’s was.
What a start for the teen, though admittedly, it’s merely a level that has become expected from the dazzling academy gem.
Champions LeagueMyles Lewis-Skelly
