Sol Campbell admits he's 'disappointed' by remarks made about Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation for Arsenal and England this season, but his performances have been overshadowed by the criticism he has received for his actions
Sol Campbell has come out swinging in defence of Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly - who's been on the receiving end of criticism this season. The 18-year-old has been a revelation for Mikel Arteta's side, racking up 27 appearances and becoming an integral part of the squad.
The defender has made the left-back position his own, and his stellar play earned him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad last month. It's been a whirlwind start to top-flight football for Lewis-Skelly, and it got even sweeter when he netted on his international debut against Albania. In doing so, he became the youngest England player to score on his senior debut since Marcus Rashford.
But it was his goal celebration in Arsenal's thumping 5-1 victory over defending league champions Manchester City that really got people talking – he copied channelled Erling Haaland's zen-like pose, causing quite the stir.
Jamie Carragher wasn't amused by the youngster's antics, accusing him on Sky Sports of "taking the mick" out of the prolific Norwegian striker. "I said about have football arrogance on the pitch and I loved it.
"I didn't like this because he's a young player mimicking Haaland, taking the mick," Carragher admitted. "I know what Haaland said, but he's a young player, and we all get carried away as young players. It's a huge moment for him."
Campbell, an Arsenal legend who was part of the iconic 'Invincibles' team, defended the young player, expressing his disappointment at the criticism from fellow ex-players.
"When I look at this; I'm a bit disappointed about how ex-players have said certain things to him because of who he is, how he dresses, his tackles, everything about him," he said.
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.
"But when you look at him, he's an unbelievable player. He does not deserve this criticism. Save that for the fans [to criticise him], or whatever. Haaland chucked the ball at Gabriel and nobody said anything about it. Haaland said to Arteta, 'Be humble' and no one said anything about it.
"Lewis-Skelly has done a celebration. It's almost like they got it mixed up - there is tongue in cheek there, but he is almost paying homage to Haaland. Think about it."
The 50-year-old claimed that the flak aimed at Lewis-Skelly, who he sees as having a bright future in top-tier football, is way overblown. "People have got off on the wrong foot here," he added. "He's a London boy, he's got character, look what he did with England on his debut. I think people, especially some of the ex-players, the stuff I'm hearing.
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"I'm thinking, 'Are you thinking straight, or does someone else write it for you?' You want that character. He's not coming out of nightclubs, being drunk and falling down the stairs. Wake up. He's a proper player. Don't be jealous.
"He's a proper player. He knows what he's doing. He just needs a bit more experience, but he is going to be around for a very long time, as long as he keeps his feet on the ground. You want that character. There's a bit about him. A nice bit of arrogance about him."
Campbell has advised former players-turned-pundits to realise the generational shift in football culture while appreciating Lewis-Skelly's substantial talent. "It's not over the top," he added further. "Look how he dresses, that is how boys dress now.
"They're not coming into England wearing a suit and tie. Those days are gone. Have you seen the French team [what they're wearing]? What is going on here? Wake up and stop this nonsense. It's really sad. I get fans saying it, but when the ex-players say it, have a balanced argument about it. He is a proper player."
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.