When Myles Lewis-Skelly attends St. George’s Park this week, it will be a reward for his good decisions.It will be almost a year since the teenager was last capped by his country, in which time he dropped down the pecking order of Arsenal left-backs, meaning last season he started just five Premiership fixtures, costing him his seat on the plane to the World Cup.I have often compared the rise of the 19-year-old to another academy graduate, Maitland-Niles.Both were midfielders in their youth, but their managers felt they had the attributes to be full-backs, and that could be a pathway to the first team.It’s a fascinating case study of how sport can be decided on luck, and the differences between these two young men having the right advice around them.There is nothing wrong with having self-belief, but sometimes you need to be smart enough to listen to those looking after your career.Surely, if there is a route to playing for the team you love, embrace it?It’s a position hundreds of youngsters would love. From there, you can always show your boss in training and matches that you have the skills to be tried in other roles.Two Hale End graduates, two different choicesMaitland-Niles lifted the FA Cup as a makeshift defender but was very public that he was unhappy not to be playing further forward.Three loans were arranged where he failed to prove he was the CM that only existed in his own mind.All supporters like one of their own to succeed, so many Gooners gave numerous chances to a Skelly who was often out of position and made too many defensive mistakes. What was apparent was his ability to control possession and get out of tight spaces.Mikel Arteta was quick to point out last campaign that the disappointment of being on the bench was part of a youngster’s development.The reality is, though, our manager has a track record of washing his hands of individuals the moment he feels they don’t suit his ethos.Sometimes football can be about timings.(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Lewis-Skelly’s patience may now be paying offBy May, Zubimendi had worked himself into the ground and was tired. Apparently, since the New Year, Skelly had been practising as a midfielder.So the Fulham game was his now-or-never moment. If he didn’t play well in that game, he’s most likely not starting the Champions League Final and is not back in the England squad.Make no mistake, he’s been selected by Thomas Tuchel as a midfielder. If anything happens to Rice or Anderson, he could get his chance.Meanwhile, Maitland-Niles has returned to the Premiership. He’s now 29 and is playing as a… full-back.So one midfielder from Hale End didn’t want to play full-back, talked himself out of the Emirates, only to end up playing in the position anyway.The other kept his head down, let his football do the talking, and now his dreams are coming true.Five Arsenal stars called up by England: Madueke misses out as Lewis-Skelly returnsThere’s a lesson in there somewhere.Dan SmithWhat do you think, Gooners? Has Lewis-Skelly’s willingness to adapt and wait for his opportunity been the key to putting himself back in the England picture? Let us know in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsTwo Hale End paths: Why Lewis-Skelly avoided Maitland-Niles’ mistake – Opinion21 September 2026, 22:00Opinion: The performance against Brighton showed one thing about this Arsenal side21 September 2026, 21:00Arsenal could get a new chance to sign La Liga attacker in January21 September 2026, 20:00The post Two Hale End paths: Why Lewis-Skelly avoided Maitland-Niles’ mistake – Opinion appeared first on Just Arsenal News.