Mikel Arteta applauded Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly for grabbing his opportunity with both hands when it finally arrived this season.
After making an impressive breakthrough at full-back last season, the 19-year-old has been starved of gametime this term, starting just twice in the Premier League before last week.
Arteta surprisingly handed him his third start on Saturday when they hosted Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, as a midfielder. The gamble paid off handsomely, with Lewis-Skelly excelling in the role as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners.
The teenager followed it up with another great performance against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday as Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final for just the second time ever.
Lewis-Skelly has now put his hand up to start the north London outfit’s three remaining games in the Premier League as well as the final in Budapest.
Arteta hails ‘exceptional’ Arsenal starlet Lewis-Skelly
Arteta praised Lewis-Skelly’s mentality and attitude throughout the campaign following his late-season impact.
“It has been a process of understanding him better,” he said. “Him understanding the standards that are required when you play or don’t play as much at this level.
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“To understand the reasons why you play or don’t play as well and then he has been exceptional. His attitude, the way he has been supported the boys when he is not playing.
“He has made us think that when he was given the chance, he was going to respond in the manner that he has done. It is not easy when you have not played that much to look that fresh, that confident, that energetic and playing with that determination.”
Arsenal travel across London to face West Ham United on Sunday, with kickoff set for 4.30pm BST.
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