UCL final: ‘He can do it’ – Arsenal legend, Dixon names player Arteta must include in starting lineup

Arsenal icon Lee Dixon has urged Mikel Arteta to include Myles Lewis-Skelly in his starting lineup for the forthcoming UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Lewis-Skelly had only made 2 starts for Arsenal in the Premier League by May 2, he was introduced into central midfield during their league match against Fulham.

He played a crucial role in the game, which ended with a 3-0 victory for the Gunners.

Since that match, Lewis-Skelly has consistently featured alongside Declan Rice in the Arsenal midfield.

The young player also delivered an impressive performance in their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta faces the decision of selecting a player to partner Declan Rice in the UCL final, and Gunners legend Lee Dixon believes that Lewis-Skelly deserves that chance.

He shared his thoughts with The Athletic via Metro, “I can’t say I was surprised because I think I knew he could do it,” he said when discussing the young Englishman’s midfield performance.

“I believe it was an opportunity that arose from Mikel needing something, and he certainly got it in abundance. I thought Myles was outstanding.

“His control and awareness of the players around him made him my man of the match, possibly in both games (UCL semi-final).

“It’s a significant decision (who to start in the Champions League final). However, I would likely choose Myles. He has already demonstrated enough composure not to be intimidated by that stage.”

Dixon further likened the Arsenal midfielder to Paul Gascoigne, stating:

“I’ve observed Myles extensively; he possesses a very Gazza-like quality in how he utilizes his weight and strength,” Dixon continued.

“He almost allows opponents to catch up with him. He’ll maneuver past them and then decelerate slightly. Gazza used to do that so that when they came in and made contact again, he would bounce them off him.

“Myles will earn free kicks by employing that technique, and he will also position himself higher up the pitch, making it a remarkable skill to possess.”