Wayne Rooney praises Arsenal star who ‘passed big test’ against Real Madrid

Wayne Rooney singled out Myles Lewis-Skelly for praise after Arsenal’s remarkable Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

Lewis-Skelly produced another impressive performance to help Arsenal run out 3-0 winners over Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

The stunning win – inspired by two Declan Rice free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s goal – gives Arsenal a three-goal lead going into the second leg of their quarter-final tie against Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Much of the focus after the game was on Rice, who deservedly took home the Player of the Match award, but Rooney also heaped praise on fellow England international Lewis-Skelly.

‘I think he played with no fear, right from the start,’ the Manchester United legend and former England striker said on Amazon Prime.

‘We were talking during the game about the positions he takes up and whether it’s always the best positions, in some cases it’s probably not.

‘But he was causing Real Madrid problems. He was creating an overload in midfield coming into that position and for a young lad to play at this level – it can be intimidating and nerve-wracking – but he played with full confidence and full belief.

‘I’m really pleased for him because it’s been a big season for him, coming into the team, making his debut for England and then producing that performance against Real Madrid tonight. He’s passed a big test.’

As Rooney pointed out, Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed an incredible breakout season for Arsenal.

The 18-year-old only made his senior debut for the club last September but he is already a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad and one of the standout players in the Premier League in his position.

Lewis-Skelly’s rapid rise earned him an England call-up during the last international break and he scored on his debut in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge.

Speaking after Arsenal’s famous victory over the European champions, Arteta said he was ‘so happy’ and ‘so proud’ of his players.

‘It was a beautiful night,’ the Gunners boss said. ‘So happy, so proud of the team.

‘We have the opportunity to make a lot of people proud and we certainly have done that. I’ve never seen the stadium like this.

‘Before the game they were already singing and already playing the game. For big European nights you need the big stadiums that create atmosphere and you need individual magic moments and there you go.’

Looking ahead to the return leg in Madrid, Arteta added: ‘We need to go there. We know we will have to step up again and we will try to win it.

‘It’s another step in the right direction as a team. We have to make another one and replicate what we’ve done tonight.’

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