Mikel Arteta hinted that Myles Lewis-Skelly has a chance to make the vacant left-back spot his own after an inspired performance against Monaco on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old, who became Arsenal's youngest starter in the Champions League since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2011, played well in his rare start.
With injuries throughout the backline, especially at the back, Lewis-Skelly could now make a run for himself in the team.
Arteta said: 'It's a very proud moment. He is one of us. It's just a pleasure to watch him, and a privilege to give someone the opportunity to change their career.
'He certainly took that opportunity. It's great that we can trust them, that he can play in this environment and at this level. I was very happy with his performance.'
Asked if Lewis-Skelly has a chance to win the left-back spot, he replied: “He has (one). And he had a fight. In the preparation he opened our eyes and said: “I am ready”. Same with Ethan (Nwaneri).
“They feel comfortable in this environment and can compete, not just play, which is very important at this level. Today he showed that he is at the right level.'
Bukayo Saka also played a starring role, scoring twice and providing an assist to demolish the French visitors. Saka now has nine goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances in all competitions this season.
“What he has done at his age you can put in brackets (of world-class players) because you can compare what he has done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional,” Arteta said.
'That's it. His goal is to improve. He has the players and the environment to continue to do that and I'm sure he will.”
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