Imagine breaking into one of the world’s top clubs, playing nearly every game of the season, shining in the Champions League, and scoring for your country… only to be left off the shortlist for Young Player of the Year.

That’s exactly what happened to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, and fans – along with a few famous pundits – are struggling to make sense of it.

Earlier this week, the Premier League revealed the nominees for their prestigious Young Player of the Year award.

Cole Palmer, who picked up the trophy last season, is back on the list again after a strong year.

But there’s one glaring omission that’s raising eyebrows across the football world.

Lewis-Skelly Leaves a Big Question Mark

Arsenal’s William Saliba made the shortlist, and Declan Rice is a contender for the senior Player of the Year.

But many supporters were left scratching their heads at the absence of Lewis-Skelly, the teenage sensation who’s been a revelation this season.

The shock wasn’t just limited to fans. Pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were equally puzzled.

On the It’s Called Soccer! podcast, both Premier League legends named Lewis-Skelly as their pick for the league’s standout young talent – and they didn’t hold back in their praise.

Gary Neville: “He’s Been Unbelievable”

Neville was the first to call it out. “I’ll go for Lewis-Skelly,” the former Manchester United defender said confidently.

“He looks like he’s been there forever, just the way he’s slotted in there.

I think it was a position that was causing Arsenal a problem. I think he’s an unbelievable talent, and his temperament’s fantastic.”

Neville couldn’t hide his admiration for the young Gunner’s ball control either: “The way he dribbles past people mesmerises me – it really shouldn’t be happening at that age.”

Carragher Agrees: “He Was Incredible at the Bernabeu”

Jamie Carragher didn’t hesitate to back Neville’s verdict. “I’d say him as well,” he said.

“The other one I was thinking about was [Dean] Huijsen at Bournemouth – I’m a big fan of his too.

But when you think about what Lewis-Skelly has done and where he’s done it… I mean, I’m thinking about that performance at the Bernabeu. Yeah, I’ll go with him.”

For an 18-year-old to get that kind of recognition from two Premier League icons says a lot.

And it’s not just hype – Lewis-Skelly’s season has been full of real moments that earned him that reputation.

From Academy Midfielder to Arsenal’s Left-Back Fix

Originally a midfielder in the Arsenal academy, Lewis-Skelly got his big chance when Mikel Arteta challenged him to fill in at left back – a position that had been a weak spot in the squad.

He stepped up and never looked back, making 21 Premier League appearances in that role alone.

That willingness to adapt and thrive under pressure has been a huge part of his meteoric rise this year.

Big Moments on Big Stages

Across all competitions, Lewis-Skelly featured 37 times for Arsenal’s senior team this season. He scored once – and what a goal it was.

A stunning strike in a 5-1 win over Manchester City, complete with a cheeky nod to Erling Haaland’s signature celebration.

Then came a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.

Lewis-Skelly made his debut in style, scoring in the first half of a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.

That performance put him firmly in the conversation for the No. 3 shirt at next summer’s World Cup.

His Champions League Run Turned Heads

Perhaps the most defining part of Lewis-Skelly’s season was his performance in the Champions League.

Against European giants Real Madrid, the teenager stood tall across both legs of the tie, showing maturity beyond his years and calmness under pressure.

At just 18, he was facing off with world-class players in one of football’s most intimidating arenas – and he didn’t flinch.

Arsenal Can Now Focus Elsewhere Thanks to Lewis-Skelly

With the left-back spot finally looking secure thanks to Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough, Arsenal’s transfer priorities may be shifting.

What was once a glaring issue is now one of the more stable positions on the pitch – freeing up the club to target reinforcements elsewhere this summer.

So Why Was He Left Out?

That’s the big question. With his breakout performances, consistency, and adaptability, Lewis-Skelly looked like a clear contender for the Young Player of the Year.

His absence from the shortlist is baffling to many – and while Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and others had strong seasons too, it’s hard not to feel Lewis-Skelly deserved more recognition.

Here’s the full list of nominees: William Saliba, Dean Huijsen, Cole Palmer, Ryan Gravenberch, Liam Delap, Anthony Elanga, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro.