Ferdinand Shocked by Arteta’s Decision to Bench Lewis-Skelly Despite Star Turn

England legend Rio Ferdinand has publicly expressed his astonishment over Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s consistent decision to leave young starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly on the bench at the start of the new Premier League season. Ferdinand questioned the reasoning behind the teenager’s reduced playing time, especially following his standout performances last campaign.

Lewis-Skelly burst onto the scene with his debut last September, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s “most important players” by the end of the season. The versatile, fearless teenager demonstrated his immense value by successfully playing both left-back and in midfield, positions where he was instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenge and their run to the Champions League semi-finals.

His exceptional form did not go unnoticed, earning him high praise from respected pundits like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, who reportedly selected him as their Young Player of the Season. Yet, despite this high acclaim, Lewis-Skelly has yet to start any of Arsenal’s first six league matches, with Arteta preferring the Italian international Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.

Ferdinand voiced his bewilderment on his YouTube channel, stating he “cannot believe” the young talent is struggling for game-time. “What’s Lewis-Skelly done? What he’s done?” Ferdinand asked, expressing the view that a player should have to “do something wrong to get out of the team.” While acknowledging Calafiori as a “good player,” the former defender suggested Lewis-Skelly has superior technical ability.

When asked if Calafiori was a more “complete player” at this stage, Ferdinand vehemently disagreed. “No way. No way,” he insisted, arguing that “Lewis-Skelly is better on the ball in midfield.” Ferdinand praised the youngster’s defensive capabilities and his composure in major matches last season, noting, “I watched him in big games last season and he looked so unfazed, it was a joke. I can’t believe he’s not in the team.” He speculated that the decision might be due to Calafiori being “bigger and better defensively in the air,” but stressed Lewis-Skelly’s all-around quality. The youngster’s most recent appearance was a late substitution in Arsenal’s narrow 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Do you think Arteta is right to ease Lewis-Skelly back into the team, or should the Young Player of the Season be starting every week?