Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly Names Martin Ødegaard as Future Manager

Arsenal academy product and first-team regular Myles Lewis-Skelly singled out Martin Ødegaard as his teammate that is most likely to become a manager in the future during an interview with the Premier League. Lewis-Skelly was tasked with forming a five-a-side lineup, picking each player based on specific criteria.

After initially selecting Spain international Mikel Merino, who is already working towards his coaching badges, Lewis-Skelly had to look elsewhere, having already chosen the World Cup winner as Arsenal's most underrated player in his team.

Ødegaard was the next name to spring to the England international's mind.

The midfielder highlighted the club captain's leadership qualities and influence within the dressing room.

Lewis-Skelly explained, ‘His aura is a little bit different in terms of the way he carries himself. He's not so loud, so vocal, but sometimes quietness holds more weight.’

Whilst the Arsenal youngster admitted he was unsure whether Ødegaard would want to move into management after his playing career, he could certainly see the club captain thriving in the role.

Since being handed the captain's armband by Mikel Arteta ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Ødegaard has become one of the defining figures of Arsenal's resurgence, leading the club through the most successful period of the Spaniard's tenure.

Lewis-Skelly went on to explain that Ødegaard’s leadership extends beyond wearing the armband, with his actions on the pitch often speaking louder than words.

He highlighted the captain's pressing and work rate as key examples of the standards he sets for those around him, with teammates naturally looking up to him despite his calm and understated character.

Lewis-Skelly made his senior debut for Arsenal in September 2024 and has spent his entire first-team career under Ødegaard’s captaincy. 

The 20-year-old, who started out as a midfielder before filling in at left-back and is now thriving in the middle of the park once again, was then asked for the best advice he had received from his captain.

He simply responded, ‘Just be yourself. For me, that's the best advice I've ever gotten.’

‘Being authentic in each and every moment is so important.’

The advice appears to have resonated with Lewis-Skelly, who has quickly established himself as an important member of Arteta's squad despite his age.

With his calm authority, attention to detail and ability to lead by example, it is easy to understand why Lewis-Skelly believes Ødegaard possesses many of the qualities associated with successful managers, even if the Arsenal captain has not yet revealed whether coaching is part of his long-term plans.