' He needs to be' - Mikel Arteta wants overlooked Arsenal star to prove himself in Port Vale clash

Mikel Arteta has invited one of his players to take his opportunity amid reduced minutes so far this season. Competition has been ramped up at the Emirates Stadium this season, with big summer spending leading to selection headaches aplenty for Arteta.

Arsenal have had a solid start so far, only losing once, but in a long season, it’s key to keep up the winning habit across all competitions. The Carabao Cup is included in that, and Arsenal face Port Vale away from home in the third round.

That game will provide a vital opportunity for some of the fringe players to make an impact and prove they deserve more minutes. One player who currently fits in that bracket is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had a breakthrough season last term.

The youngster is going to be a big part of Arsenal’s future, still only 18 years of age, but he has not been first choice so far this season, making only three appearances across all competitions. Arteta admits it’s simply a case of competition, but he wants the youngster to seize his opportunity in the cup, when he is likely to start.

“Sometimes it's performances of other players as well,” said the Arsenal boss. “You can be at a really good level but somebody can be at a different level, or it’s just that I have the perception at the moment that it's better to play or start somebody else in the team. It doesn’t mean Myles has done something wrong at all, completely the opposite. So when he has the chance, he has to try to show the level that he's at, elevate it, and make the decision even harder.”

Asked whether the competition is still an open one, Arteta added: “Yes, especially because if you look at the amount of time that Myles defends and attacks in certain spaces, he's much more of a midfielder than a full-back. But there are moments when he needs to be in that position. He can absolutely do it. He's shown it. He's done it at the highest level in the Champions League so there's no question about that.”

Arteta is likely to make plenty of changes to his side for the Port Vale clash, with Arsenal in the midst of a very busy season that will likely see them compete for a Premier League and Champions League title.

The Arsenal boss confirmed: “Yes, it's a lot of players who are going to take part in that, and they fully deserve the minutes. Kepa, for sure, is one of them. He's been with us, his attitude, the way he supports us in every aspect of his role in the best possible manner. All this as well, they deserve more minutes than what they're getting.”

Arsenal will turn their attention back to the Premier League after the Port Vale clash, facing Newcastle United in a tricky-looking away clash on Sunday.

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