Agreed!@Aevi it's good to see you back posting bro - haven't seen you around these parts for quite some time!
I've been on this train from the beginning. He's just as big a talent as Nwaneri is and hasn't gotten anywhere near the fanfare - and I think that's probably to his benefit. He has everything a modern midfielder needs to be great. Unstoppable scything dribbles through teams at his best, often at will. And if it's not on, he's such a talented passer of the ball, often squeezing the ball into forwards from deep and taking players out of the game. And - Arteta's favorite - he loves duels. Genuinely, don't think I've seen him really shy away from one ever. One could argue that the only thing really missing is a knack for goals but he's so talented I wouldn't put it past him to develop that if he wants to. Joe Willock was never a great goalscoring midfielder (still isn't - kind of) and all of a sudden he was popping up in great positions.The Hale End train keeps chugging out talents. Hopefully he's right behind Nwaneri in getting first-team opportunities soon, curious whether that'll be in midfield or LB.
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Agreed!
I've been on this train from the beginning. He's just as big a talent as Nwaneri is and hasn't gotten anywhere near the fanfare - and I think that's probably to his benefit. He has everything a modern midfielder needs to be great. Unstoppable scything dribbles through teams at his best, often at will. And if it's not on, he's such a talented passer of the ball, often squeezing the ball into forwards from deep and taking players out of the game. And - Arteta's favorite - he loves duels. Genuinely, don't think I've seen him really shy away from one ever. One could argue that the only thing really missing is a knack for goals but he's so talented I wouldn't put it past him to develop that if he wants to. Joe Willock was never a great goalscoring midfielder (still isn't - kind of) and all of a sudden he was popping up in great positions.
I think he should be #5s replacement - as early as this coming season even. It won't happen but that's what should happen. He's doing all the same things minus the wayward 40 yard shots (and of course yellow box) so that should be the more natural progression. LB is one way of getting him in but it's not ideal. Either way, he's impressing and I hope this continues into the season.
In terms of physical attributes, his standout is probably strength. He's really good at using his body to move people out of the way and people just bounce off of him when he dribbles. Outside of Saka, he's arguably the best at anticipating contact from Hale End. He's relatively quick in short bursts but he isn't super fast. He does however do really well when it comes to dribbling with speed - some players cannot dribble at full speed whereas Lewis-Skelly is very good at this. Agility is probably close 2nd in physical attributes as he's got the ability to turn very quickly and has deceptively quick feet - evidenced in the ease with which he disguises passes. Stamina is also pretty good, seen him last a 120 minute match and score the last minute winner in said match by making a late run into the box.How would you rate his physical attributes- speed / strength / stamina / agility?
Bearing in mind he’s still a kid ofc
In terms of physical attributes, his standout is probably strength. He's really good at using his body to move people out of the way and people just bounce off of him when he dribbles. Outside of Saka, he's arguably the best at anticipating contact from Hale End. He's relatively quick in short bursts but he isn't super fast. He does however do really well when it comes to dribbling with speed - some players cannot dribble at full speed whereas Lewis-Skelly is very good at this. Agility is probably close 2nd in physical attributes as he's got the ability to turn very quickly and has deceptively quick feet - evidenced in the ease with which he disguises passes. Stamina is also pretty good, seen him last a 120 minute match and score the last minute winner in said match by making a late run into the box.
I don't expect him to get any faster, but IMO he's mobile enough, especially in possession. Perhaps the area I'd say he's weakest is aerially. He's probably about average height - 5'10 there or thereabouts - so larger players will have more advantage in the air but that's about it. Physically he's very sturdy and capable. Reminds me of Miguel Azeez in terms of physical ability. Azeez had it all but he didn't have Lewis-Skelly's application. He's a much more intense player with conviction in his decisions and it shows in how well he's adapted to this new role and played the passes he has so far.
In terms of physical attributes, his standout is probably strength. He's really good at using his body to move people out of the way and people just bounce off of him when he dribbles. Outside of Saka, he's arguably the best at anticipating contact from Hale End. He's relatively quick in short bursts but he isn't super fast. He does however do really well when it comes to dribbling with speed - some players cannot dribble at full speed whereas Lewis-Skelly is very good at this. Agility is probably close 2nd in physical attributes as he's got the ability to turn very quickly and has deceptively quick feet - evidenced in the ease with which he disguises passes. Stamina is also pretty good, seen him last a 120 minute match and score the last minute winner in said match by making a late run into the box.
I don't expect him to get any faster, but IMO he's mobile enough, especially in possession. Perhaps the area I'd say he's weakest is aerially. He's probably about average height - 5'10 there or thereabouts - so larger players will have more advantage in the air but that's about it. Physically he's very sturdy and capable. Reminds me of Miguel Azeez in terms of physical ability. Azeez had it all but he didn't have Lewis-Skelly's application. He's a much more intense player with conviction in his decisions and it shows in how well he's adapted to this new role and played the passes he has so far.
Bigger and better in the air than Bennacer...not qutie as polished a passer at the sme age. Much more dynamic thoughI think a good comparison would be Bennacer. Seems very comfortable in possession and at playing disguised passes with the ability to dribble and drive. Tenacious but weak in the air.
How do you all see this? Will we look for a loan? Or risk him not getting enough game time?
I think it's a fair question really. We don't have a great record for giving youngsters time, and our record in recent years in domestic cups are not all that either.
Waiting for his comp to drop. Another impressive performance in the tank. Had one spacing issue that helped lead to the goal but everything else he did was spot on. He's the truth.
Making things look very simple and easy but the way he spins away from people and evades pressure is really impressive.