Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Arsenal's rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly, hailing the teenager's "exceptional" attitude after he seized his long-awaited opportunity this season. The 19-year-old made a promising breakthrough at full-back last campaign, but game time had been scarce this term—he managed just two Premier League starts before last week.

That all changed on Saturday when Arteta surprised fans by handing Lewis-Skelly his third start against Fulham at the Emirates—this time in an unfamiliar midfield role. The gamble paid off brilliantly. The young Gunner thrived in the middle of the park, helping Arsenal cruise to a dominant 3-0 victory. He followed that with another impressive display against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, as the club booked their spot in the UEFA Champions League final for only the second time in history.

Now, Lewis-Skelly has firmly put his hand up for a starting role in Arsenal's three remaining Premier League matches—and that showpiece final in Budapest. Arteta was quick to credit the youngster's mindset and professionalism throughout a season that tested his patience.

"It's been a process of understanding him better," Arteta explained. "Him understanding the standards required when you play—or don't play as much—at this level. To understand the reasons why, and he's been exceptional. His attitude, the way he's supported the boys when he's not playing... He's made us think that when given the chance, he'd respond like this. It's not easy to look that fresh, that confident, that energetic, with that determination after not playing much."

With Arsenal traveling to face West Ham United on Sunday (kickoff 4:30pm BST), all eyes will be on Lewis-Skelly to see if he can continue his stunning late-season surge. For a player who has worn the Gunners' colors with pride, this is the kind of breakthrough moment that every young footballer dreams of—and one that fans will be watching closely as the season reaches its thrilling climax.