Declan Rice has heaped praise on Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly, describing the talented youngster as if he was “built in a lab.”

The teenager has earned Mikel Arteta’s trust, transitioning from a midfield role in Arsenal’s youth setup to breaking into the first team as a left-back this season. Lewis-Skelly has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches, impressing teammates and fans alike.

Rice, Arsenal’s record signing, has expressed awe at the 18-year-old’s abilities and potential, highlighting his incredible performances. Despite being thrust into both domestic and Champions League action, Lewis-Skelly has consistently delivered solid performances without making mistakes.

The young star made his debut earlier this season as a substitute during the draw against Manchester City. Rice emphasized that with proper guidance and the support of his teammates, Lewis-Skelly has a bright future ahead.

The ex-West Ham midfielder told the Arsenal website: “He can go to the top, this kid is just special, very special. For an 18-year-old to be that good, that comfortable, that strong – it was like he was built in a lab! I said that to him the other day, it’s just ridiculous how good he is, but he has a long way to go.

“He’s so level-headed, he’s got a great family around him, I know his mum looks after him really well and all the boys at the training ground do too. We have a really good crop of youngsters coming through and he can be what he wants to be, he just needs to stay focused and always want more and he can do that.”

Arteta has been more than willing to give youth a chance and under him Bukayo Saka, another academy graduate, has continued to blossom. Lewis-Skelly provides the Arsenal boss with a number of options.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has become a regular under Mikel Arteta ( Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Spanish coach said previously: “He is a competitor. You look at him, in every duel he goes, the way he reacts with his team-mates, you speak to him it’s constantly eye contact. He’s nudging, he’s asking questions, it’s a special character. He can play in three positions basically, as a left back, as a No.6, as a No.8, he’s very versatile. He adapts, from there he can occupy different spaces.”

Lewis-Skelly is one of two teenage products who are increasingly becoming part of the first-team picture under Arteta this season. Ethan Nwaneri remains the club’s youngster ever player and has continued to develop in midfield with plenty too expected of him.