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Mikel Arteta admits that one Arsenal star might play in a different position against PSG
Although Arsenal have a Premier League match against Crystal Palace to contend with beforehand, a lot of Mikel Arteta’s focus may have already turned to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal face the Parisiens in a Champions League semi-final which commences at the start of next week.
PSG have already knocked out both Liverpool and Aston Villa this season, two sides that Arsenal have often found difficult to beat themselves.
However, after Mikel Arteta watched his side dispatch Real Madrid in fairly comfortable fashion in the last round, he’ll certainly retain faith.
PSG have been excellent under Luis Enrique recently but Arsenal did beat them 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season in the league phase of the competition, which has to count for something.
Mikel Arteta thinks Myles Lewis-Skelly could switch positions
That being said, Arteta made some interesting comments about young Myles Lewis-Skelly in his press conference before facing Palace in the league.
It felt as if a lot of the questions sent the Arsenal manager’s way were with PSG in mind, a tie that will ultimately define the Gunners’ season.
And with Thomas Partey’s suspension against PSG in mind, Arteta was specifically asked if Lewis-Skelly could leave his left-back role to replace the 31-year-old in midfield.
Lewis-Skelly was predominantly a midfielder when progressing through the Hale End Academy, and Arteta seemed confident that he would have no problem doing so for the first team.
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Replying to the question, Arteta said: “Yeah, he can play as an eight, he can play as a six. He’s played there before many times and he has the qualities to do that.”
And slightly before being asked that question about replacing Partey outright, Arteta was asked if he could see Lewis-Skelly staying as a left-back for the rest of his career.
The Arsenal manager responded: “I wouldn’t go that far. I think for now, and what he’s providing to the team and the needs that we have and the role that we have as a full-back, probably yes.
“But he stepped in midfield the other day and he looked very, very comfortable. He’s played his whole career and he’s good.
“Another player that can play different positions at the highest level. So, very good news.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly could be vital against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Lewis-Skelly can play in midfield against PSG, it’s a credible option for Arteta.
However, it does also have to be considered that the French champions often beat teams through their wide players – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
Kvaratskhelia often plays on the right himself and Lewis-Skelly could be the perfect man to stop the 24-year-old Georgia international from making his mark at the Emirates.
Arsenal seemed to test his PSG midfield against Ipswich Town on the weekend and perhaps the best call would still be to drop Mikel Merino back a spot with Leandro Trossard coming in.
Fortunately, Arsenal fans can trust Arteta to get it right.