Sol Campbell was wrong about ‘scary’ Arsenal star who proved a point against Real Madrid

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In truth, there wasn’t a poor performer on the pitch for Arsenal during their historic 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Declan Rice was deservedly the star of the show for Arsenal owing to his two superb free-kicks, but Mikel Arteta had a dressing room full of warriors at full-time.

Bukayo Saka was also immense on the right – his first start since December following his hamstring surgery.

And on the topic of Hale End Academy stars, Myles Lewis-Skelly once again proved that he deserves to already be mentioned among the world’s best left-backs, even at 18-years-old.

It’s a bizarre statement to read – Lewis-Skelly was playing academy football last year.

However, the youngster proved against the likes of Rodrygo that he can thrive at the highest level, explaining why Thomas Tuchel has been so impressed with Lewis-Skelly for England.

Sol Campbell was wrong about Myles Lewis-Skelly

Speaking to Goal before the tie with Madrid, former Gunner Sol Campbell was asked to pick between an Arsenal player or Galactico in each position, building his strongest XI.

And whilst Campbell rightfully picked the likes of Saka over Rodrygo, he did snub Lewis-Skelly at Ferland Mendy’s expense.

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Mendy was injured for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, so a direct comparison to Lewis-Skelly couldn’t be made.

But on evidence of Tuesday night, there’s arguably not a left-back in Europe who’s clearly outperforming Lewis-Skelly right now, even at 18.

Jamie Carragher was amazed by Lewis-Skelly’s performance and it was one that Mendy might arguably struggle to replicate, given how the Arsenal youngster is able to propel into central roles.

Campbell can’t be blamed for choosing Mendy, a superb full-back who’s won the Champions League two times, but there’s a new kid on the block, and he’s from Hale End.

And according to Rice, Lewis-Skelly’s talent is ‘scary’ at this point.

Arsenal still need to sign Ajax’s Jorrel Hato

Interestingly, it was reported almost a year ago that Arsenal were interested in Mendy, links that seemingly never developed into anything more.

But with the emergence of Lewis-Skelly it’s clear that Arteta has his long-term man sorted.

Of course, Arsenal still might need to add a left-sided defender in the summer given those who might depart.

Jakub Kiwior still wants to leave Arsenal and Oleksandr Zinchenko might also join Kieran Tierney in securing a fresh start.

And with all considered, Arsenal’s interest in Jorrel Hato seems very sensible, a versatile youngster who can compete with both Gabriel and Lewis-Skelly.