Myles Lewis-Skelly has revealed Tottenham midfielder Matheus Fernandes is the toughest opponent he has come up against in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old has made a strong start to the season, forcing his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans after earning his trust in midfield at the end of last term.
Lewis-Skelly started all of Arsenal’s pre-season matches and then the first four league games, all of which the Gunners won.
He was dropped to the bench for the trip to Brighton and Arsenal were beaten 3-0, leaving Arteta with a big selection dilemma after the international break.
Lewis-Skelly broke into the team in midfield in the final weeks of last season and played the full 90 minutes in the dramatic win over West Ham.
Arsenal won 1-0 to remain in control of the title race, but only after a late VAR decision ruled out what West Ham thought was a last-gasp equaliser.
In that match, Lewis-Skelly came up against Fernandes, who over the summer joined Tottenham for £85million, and the Portuguese midfielder made an impression.
Speaking to Men in Blazers, Lewis-Skelly was asked who the toughest opponent he has come up against in the league is.
“Matheus Fernandes, when he was at West Ham,” Lewis-Skelly responded.
Lewis-Skelly looks set to compete with Guimaraes for a place alongside Declan Rice in midfield this season.
Despite the challenge of that battle, Lewis-Skelly was excited to see Arsenal sign Guimaraes, believing the 28-year-old will help him become a better player.
“Bruno brings energy, experience, intensity,” he said.
“When I heard he was joining I was super happy because it’s someone to learn from and pick the brain of.
“He’s another winner, he’s someone who plays in a similar position to you, so you can always learn from him. Being a sponge to Bruno is going to be really impactful.”
