EPL: ‘He’s strong, fast, has football intelligence’ – Micah Richards names favourite Arsenal player

Former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards has said Arsenal youngster, Myles Lewis-Skelly is his favourite player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

He said this following the player’s performance for England in their victory over Czechia in the UEFA Nations League.

England ended their international break with a decisive 3-0 triumph over Czechia. A Vladimir Coufal own goal and a Harry Kane brace, either side of half-time, proved sufficient to secure a dominant result for the Three Lions.

Richards gave particular commendation to Arsenal talent Lewis-Skelly, saying the youngster had emerged as one of his favourite players.

He further contended that the young English player possessed abilities that made him worthy of more than a substitute role at the Gunners.

During an appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said, via Metro UK: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of my favourite players; technically, he’s very good, he’s strong and fast, he has football intelligence, and he’s still so young as well.

“I remember his performance against Real Madrid a couple of seasons ago, and I hadn’t seen anything quite like it from someone that young.”

Richards further emphasised that Lewis-Skelly’s capabilities made a bench role inappropriate for Arsenal, notwithstanding his relative youth.

He added: “Certainly, Riccardo Calafiori has occupied the left-back position for Arsenal, and they have incorporated Bruno Guimaraes into their midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

“Nevertheless, Lewis-Skelly has abilities that transcend a substitute status. He is among the most exceptional young talents I have encountered at his developmental stage, and this assessment is not hyperbolic.”

Despite being recognised as one of Europe’s most promising young talents, Lewis-Skelly attracted transfer speculation regarding a possible departure from the North London club during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Numerous Premier League clubs reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the 20-year-old prospect; however, no transfer materialised.

Arteta’s team returns to Premier League action against Leeds on Saturday as they maintain second position in the league standings, trailing leaders Manchester City, having secured victories in four of their five matches.