Former Arsenal star advises Mikel Arteta to use his 'secret weapon' against PSG

Jack Wilshere, the former Arsenal player, recommends that Mikel Arteta deploy teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly as a central midfielder in the Champions League final clash with PSG this evening.

Could Myles Lewis-Skelly be Arsenal's 'secret weapon'?

For Arteta, choosing the starting eleven for the season's final match will be the most pivotal decision of his coaching career to date. Arsenal will take on a hugely formidable PSG side that has overpowered numerous opponents on their path to the final of Europe's top club competition.

Wilshere, now head coach of Luton Town, knows Lewis-Skelly almost as well as Arteta does. The ex-midfielder worked with the youngster while managing Arsenal's youth teams and has always believed that central midfield is his best position. Despite Lewis-Skelly playing mostly as a left-back this season, Wilshere is convinced the teenager can excel if given the chance against PSG.

Speaking on media day for Soccer Aid for UNICEF, when asked whether Lewis-Skelly is ready to play in midfield against Luis Enrique's team, Wilshere stated: "Yes. What I love about Myles and what he has shown since being promoted to the first team is his character. He has courage, a strong personality, and is always ready to handle pressure, both in life and on the pitch. I believe that if he is asked to play in midfield, he will do an outstanding job."

"Playing in midfield at the highest level is extremely challenging. Mikel has done a great job finding the right role for him because Myles has many qualities and an excellent ability to read the game," Wilshere continued. "Not everyone can play in midfield. But Myles has the capability, tactical awareness, and footballing intelligence. I am delighted to see him used there. I understand how he can influence the team's play, from receiving the ball to driving forward. I am truly happy for him."

For much of the season, Lewis-Skelly often found himself on the bench, competing for a spot with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié, both of whom delivered strong performances on the left flank. It was only after the convincing 3-0 win over Fulham that Arteta first handed Lewis-Skelly a starting role in central midfield.

That decision could become a key turning point, helping the young talent rise to become one of Arsenal's crucial players in the final in Budapest.