Arsenal star closes in on Nwankwo Kanu’s UCL record during Atletico Madrid win

Myles Lewis-Skelly came close to matching a UEFA Champions League record held by Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu during Arsenal’s semi-final clash with Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 19-year-old midfielder was named in the starting line-up for the second leg on at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win, progressing 2-1 on aggregate. That appearance meant Lewis-Skelly has now started three Champions League semi-final matches as a teenager.

According to Squawka, only two players in history, Iker Casillas and Kanu, have started more at that age, with four each. Lewis-Skelly now sits just one behind them, placing him third on the all-time list.

His three starts include two from the 2024/25 semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain and this latest outing against Atlético. At 19 years and 25 days old, he also became the youngest English player to reach that milestone.

Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly vs Atletico

More just make up the numbers, Lewis-Skelly delivered a calm and confident performance in midfield against a tough and experienced Atlético side. Playing 73 minutes before going off with a minor injury, he completed 43 of his 49 passes, giving him an accuracy of 88%.

In the first half alone, he completed 39 of 41 passes, with more than half played forward into the opposition’s half. He created one clear chance and came close to registering an assist with a low cross that flashed across goal.

Defensively, he added a clearance, committed two fouls, and won two fouls himself, showing his ability to handle pressure in a pressure-soaked match. His performance earned praise from teammates like Declan Rice, while British media rated him among Arsenal’s best players on the night.

Manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to use him in central midfield, despite him being known as a left-back, proved crucial once again. His ability to carry the ball forward and escape Atlético’s pressing game stood out.

While Lewis-Skelly continues to build his story, Kanu’s record remains a symbol of excellence. The Nigerian forward achieved his feats as part of the famous AFC Ajax side of the mid-1990s, winning the Champions League in 1995 and reaching the final again in 1996, all before turning 20.

After leaving Ajax, the Super Eagles great played for Inter Milan, Arsenal West Brom, and Portsmouth before calling time on his successful career in 2012.