Jack Wilshere Highlights Uncoachable Brilliance of Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s Academy Journey

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Jack Wilshere Sees a Rare Talent in Myles Lewis-Skelly

Jack Wilshere knows what it takes to break through at Arsenal—he’s done it himself. But when the former midfielder turned youth coach talks about Myles Lewis-Skelly, there’s genuine excitement in his voice. Wilshere hasn’t just seen another promising academy player; he’s witnessed moments he says you can’t just teach in training.

Wilshere has spent plenty of time on Arsenal’s youth pitches, working closely as a coach with the club’s future stars. But it was during the 2022–23 FA Youth Cup run that Lewis-Skelly really caught his eye. Not only did the teenager hold his nerve in big knockout games, but he also adapted to whatever role was thrown at him—whether deep in midfield or filling gaps in defence. That kind of quick thinking, Wilshere says, is rare for someone so young.

There was one performance that really stood out: Arsenal’s quarter-final against Cambridge United. Tasked with anchoring the midfield in a high-stakes match, Lewis-Skelly put in a mature display far beyond his 18 years. His anticipation, timing, and off-the-ball intelligence didn’t just keep Arsenal in control—they set the tone. Wilshere noted how these instincts can’t be drilled into a player: "He was doing things in that game that you can’t put into someone. He just saw danger before it happened, and moved the ball smartly under pressure." Arsenal’s win that night carried them to the Youth Cup final, where only West Ham would halt their run.

Big Moments, Big Producing: Lewis-Skelly Delivers When It Matters

If Cambridge was about control, the semi-final against Manchester City was all about impact. Arsenal needed a hero late on. Lewis-Skelly delivered, charging into the box to score a dramatic late winner. Wilshere says that moment sums up what makes the young midfielder special—he’s calm enough to steady the team’s midfield, but he’s not afraid to make runs and create chaos when it matters most.

His role wasn’t flashy, but it was essential. Lewis-Skelly slid into both midfield and defensive slots, showing tactical flexibility and a simple maturity that’s often missing in players twice his age. Wilshere pointed out how seamlessly he moved between positions and situations: "That willingness to play wherever the team needs you, without fuss, sets a player apart when you’re looking to move up."

Thanks to efforts like these, Lewis-Skelly didn’t just stand out among his fellow academy talents; he made the leap to the first-team squad. Arsenal’s coaching staff sat up and took notice. While Wilshere admired Lewis-Skelly’s technical skills—his passing, his tackling, his ability to read the game—it was those "uncoachable" instincts and cool head in frantic moments that truly set him apart.

• Myles Lewis-Skelly starred as Arsenal’s midfield anchor during the 2022–23 Youth Cup run.
• His key performances included a standout quarter-final versus Cambridge United and a decisive semi-final winner against Manchester City.
• Wilshere praised his maturity, adaptability, and instincts you can’t teach, highlighting him as one to watch for the future.

As Arsenal keep hunting for the next homegrown breakthrough, it’s players like Lewis-Skelly—combining flexibility with game-changing moments—who fuel that belief academy heroes are just around the corner. For Wilshere, that’s the magic. Some things can be taught, others can only be spotted by those who’ve played the game at the top. And with Lewis-Skelly, Wilshere is convinced he’s seen something special.