Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has hailed Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly following the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 win over Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Lewis-Skelly delivered a standout performance in midfield, helping Arsenal dominate the reigning champions. Declan Rice scored twice from free-kicks, while Mikel Merino added a third to give Mikel Arteta’s side a commanding lead ahead of the second leg in Madrid.
Speaking on Amazon Prime after the match, Rooney was full of praise for the 17-year-old England international.
“He played with no fear, right from the start,” Rooney said. “He was causing Real Madrid problems. He was creating an overload in midfield… and for a young lad to play at this level – it can be intimidating and nerve-wracking – but he played with full confidence and full belief.”
Rooney added that Lewis-Skelly has passed a “big test” on Europe’s biggest stage.
“It’s been a big season for him — coming into the team, making his debut for England, and now producing that performance tonight.”
Arsenal travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the return leg next Wednesday.
