Lewis-Skelly Approaches Kanu's UCL Semi-Final Record

Myle Lewis-Skelly, a 19-year-old Arsenal player, is nearing the record held by Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu for the youngest starter in UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Lewis-Skelly has started three semi-final matches, placing him among an elite group of young players.

He played 74 minutes in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, which secured the club's first Champions League final appearance in 20 years. Kanu's record dates back to the mid-1990s when he featured prominently for Ajax.

Kanu made his semi-final debut in September 1994 and went on to start in four semi-final matches as a teenager. He later joined Inter Milan and was part of Arsenal's 2004 Invincibles squad.

Lewis-Skelly's rise underscores his growing influence in Arsenal's European campaign. Additionally, Georg Ilenikhena recently surpassed Kanu's record as the youngest African to reach 15 appearances in the competition at 19 years and 157 days.