Thierry Henry reveals shock Arsenal selection he wants to see vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta given serious food for thought ahead of Champions League semi-final second-leg decider

Thierry Henry believes Myles Lewis-Skelly is ready to start in midfield for Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final second-leg decider against Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners youngster has found regular opportunities hard to come by this term after a breakthrough campaign last season, but was handed a surprise start in an unfamiliar position against Fulham on Saturday.

Lewis-Skelly lined up alongside Declan Rice in central midfield as Mikel Arteta made five changes to his starting lineup for a game which was sandwiched in between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.

It is a position that the 19-year-old has only appeared in a couple of times previously as a substitute, but he impressed hugely during an accomplished 90-minute display as Arsenal won 3-0 against their London rivals to open up a six-point lead in the Premier League title race with three matches left to play.

Lewis-Skelly’s performance against Fulham has given Mikel Arteta food for thought ahead of the concluding chapter of their tense tie against Atletico, which is currently level at 1-1 after a controversial first leg in Madrid last week.

“Myles was just different,” Arsenal icon Henry said on Sky Sports as he assessed Lewis-Skelly’s display against Fulham, bringing up his best highlights alongside Jamie Carragher.

Bold call: Thierry Henry believes Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned his place in Arsenal’s midfield

YouTube/Sky Sports Premier League

“I didn’t see [Martin] Zubimendi do that often – the legs, anticipation, going, stopping someone, boom, making someone feel that you that you are there; he was there all the time.”

Henry added: “Because of the magnitude of the game, he’s going to think to be a bit more secure. But Lewis-Skelly showed that might be a new position for him in terms of next season.

“It’s one thing to be patient. It’s one thing to maybe be upset about the situation. But he was ready.

“He didn’t look like he didn’t play for a very long time. He controlled the game. He went forward. He buzzed the game at times. That’s outstanding.

“Do not underestimate experience in this type of game. But would I like to see him on Tuesday or tomorrow, obviously? Yes. Why not?”