Riccardo Calafiori celebrates with Arsenal goalscoller Gabriel Martinelli (pictured by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s left-back Ricardo Calfioli appears to have had a serious impact on Miles Lewis Skelly’s playing opportunities this season.
That’s what Charles Watts said he was surprised that Lewis Skelly didn’t get the chance to leave for Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League last night.
Written in his exclusive daily briefing column, Watts explained that this appears to be evidence that, even if the “exceptional” Carafiori continues to perform like this, it will still be a whole new challenge for Lewis Skelly this season.
Italian international had some issues with appropriate problems in the previous period, but it is clear that if he can leave him uninjured, he will be a force to be considered.
According to Watts, this could mean that Lewis Skelly will need to try moving to midfield for him to return to the pitch regularly.
Charles Watts of Ricardo Carafioli and Miles Lewis Skelly
“I was really hoping for Miles Lewis Skelly to oppose athletics on Tuesday night,” Watts said.
“Riccardo Calafioli has been an exception so far this season, and I think he is sure to play Manchester City this weekend.
“So with that in mind, I thought Arteta would use the Bilbao game to give Calafiori a bit of a breather and give Lewis-Skelly the first start of the season.
“But he didn’t do either. He started out with Karafiori and when he made a late change, it was the new boy, Clown Hincapie, who made his debut with his left hand.
“So I think it might be a bit harder for Lewis Skelly to get the game time he wants right now, but it’s a long season and he’ll get a lot of minutes.
“Last season was a very wild ride for him, and his rise to the top was amazing considering his age and how he was seen at the start of the campaign.
“He was starting his game for Arsenal and Britain out of nowhere, and he won a new long-term contract. It was an incredible six months for the youngster, but now he has to go through some tough times.
“It could be good for him and his career. When you’re at a club of the nature of Arsenal, things don’t become easy. You have to fight for your place all the time.
“Maybe we’ll see him a little more in his more natural midfield position. That’s possible, but he has top-class players ahead of him.
“The team is very stacked and players have to fight every time they get on the pitch. Lewis Skelly certainly finds that.”
