I’m only afraid of Him and not Rodrygo, facing Him now is like facing hell”, Arsenal defender Lewis Skelly named the ONE Madrid player that He’s afraid of facing next week

I’m Only Afraid of Him, Not Rodrygo – Facing Him Now Is Like Facing Hell”: Arsenal Star Lewis Skelly Names The ONE Madrid Player He’s Afraid Of Ahead Of UCL Clash

Ahead of Arsenal’s monumental UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid next week, young Gunners midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly made headlines during a pre-match press conference when he admitted there’s only one Los Blancos player he’s truly afraid to face – and no, it’s not Rodrygo.

In a refreshingly honest moment, Lewis-Skelly said:

> “Rodrygo is obviously a threat, he’s world class, but I’m not afraid of him. There’s one guy in that Madrid team who scares me. Facing him now is like facing hell.”

The “him” in question? Jude Bellingham.

The Arsenal youngster went on to explain why Bellingham, who has taken La Liga and Europe by storm this season, stands out as a unique challenge.

> “You can prepare all you want, watch clips, study his movements, but once you’re on the pitch with Jude, it’s a different story. He’s got that presence… that aura. You feel it. It’s not just about his skill, it’s the mentality, the control, the way he leads that midfield. It’s like trying to stop a train with your hands.”

Lewis-Skelly, who has recently broken into Arsenal’s senior squad, could face his toughest test yet if he lines up against the English superstar next Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite Arsenal’s strong form under Mikel Arteta, the midfielder made it clear that Real Madrid – and especially Bellingham – represent a completely different level of football.

> “You can’t fake it against a team like Madrid. And Jude? He’s not just playing football, he’s commanding games like a veteran. I have massive respect for him. If there’s anyone I’d want to avoid in this matchup, it’s him.”

Bellingham, 21, has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, already scoring crucial goals in both La Liga and the Champions League. His big-game mentality and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him comparisons to Real Madrid legends like Zinedine Zidane and early-career Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid fans will no doubt be buzzing to hear even opponents admitting how terrifying Jude can be to face – while Arsenal fans might just hope Lewis-Skelly’s words don’t become prophetic next week.

The first leg of the quarter-final will be played at the Bernabéu, with Arsenal hoping to contain the Spanish giants’ attacking force – especially the man Lewis-Skelly calls “hell to face.”

That’s an incredibly raw and respectful take from Myles Lewis-Skelly, especially for someone so young stepping into such a high-stakes fixture. You rarely hear players—particularly up-and-coming talents—speak with that level of honesty about their fear or admiration for an opponent, and it shows both humility and self-awareness.

### A Few Interesting Layers to This:

**1. Jude Bellingham’s Aura Is *Real*:**
– What Lewis-Skelly said about Bellingham having a “presence” and “aura” is something we’ve heard from top players across Europe. It’s not just the goals or assists—it’s how **Bellingham owns the midfield**. He dictates tempo, he leads, and he plays with a calm intensity that makes him seem years beyond 21.
– That “train you can’t stop” comparison? Perfect metaphor. Bellingham’s blend of physicality, control, and intelligence is *rare*.

**2. Arsenal’s Next-Gen Midfield vs Real’s Royal Core:**
– Lewis-Skelly entering this tie as a potential starter or even sub is a big deal. It’s essentially a **baptism by fire**—the Bernabéu, knockout Champions League football, and possibly tasked with shadowing one of Europe’s most in-form midfielders.
– And this also frames the broader narrative of **Arsenal’s youth-driven project** testing itself against Madrid’s proven elite.

**3. Mentality Talk Is Key:**
– What makes this quote powerful is that Lewis-Skelly isn’t just intimidated by skill—he’s wary of *mentality*. That says a lot. Jude doesn’t just play the game; he **controls** it, and that makes him terrifying in the eyes of young talents who are still growing into their roles.

—

### Could This Backfire?
Some might say Lewis-Skelly’s words give Bellingham and Madrid more psychological edge, but it could also just be a smart move: **disarm with honesty**, show humility, and defuse pressure. Plus, let’s be real—any young midfielder going toe-to-toe with Jude is walking into the lion’s den.

### What to Watch:
– Will Arteta start Lewis-Skelly or protect him from that “hell”?
– Can Arsenal disrupt Jude’s rhythm, or will he impose himself like he has all season?
– And will Lewis-Skelly use this fear as fuel to rise to the occasion?

Either way, it’s shaping up to be a classic. You think Arsenal can contain Jude over two legs—or is he just built for this kind of stage?