01 Apr 2026 20:53:00
Can't just be me praying we don't chase Skelly for LB?
02 Apr 2026 08:45:59
As long as it is not Shaw.
02 Apr 2026 10:52:18
It seems Skelly's versatility is what's appealing to the club. I also think Arteta is opting for more physicality and experience, whilst trying to win the title, which has gone against Skelly.
I'm not sure Skelly would be my first choice personally, but he's a decent player with youth on his side, and I think our recruitment team now are looking into players better than they ever have in recent years, so I trust their judgment.
02 Apr 2026 12:34:40
I've seen him live several times and been very impressed with him. With Ports, versatility is a major selling point.
But I have no idea if there is any truth to the rumours.
02 Apr 2026 12:46:17
Skelley wouldn't be my first choice, but he's far from a bad choice.
He's a very good fullback, who has the potential to play in midfield if needed. As a fullback, he is fairly well rounded: good at 1v1 defending, great on the ball, good at driving forward with it, and creative when he gets forward. He's not great in the air (which is probably why Arteta doesn't play him as much this season), and that is his only real weakness. He's a full back who more naturally wants to tuck inside rather than bomb down the wing, although he is more than capable of overlapping. That probably ties in nicely with Dorgu, who as a fullback is more naturally a chalk on your boots kind of player, and would give the manager a nice balance of options.
However, he's fairly inexperienced, and we do lack experience both at LB (beyond Shaw) and potentially in the backline, with players like Lammens in goal, along with Yoro and Heaven possibly at CB. Given MdL, Martinez and Shaw's injury record, we could very possibly be going into games next season with three 19- or 20-year-olds in our back four.
Personally I'd hope for a more experienced fullback this summer, but I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if we sign Lewis-Skelley.