Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raved about attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, as quoted in Football.London.
Arteta has praised the impact that Smith Rowe has made on the team in the last few games.
The Spaniard has said that the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has huge potential, and that the English youngster needs to have more faith in himself.
Arteta told Football.London about Smith Rowe: “He has a huge potential. He really wants it and he has the personality when he goes on that field to express and play the way he can play.”
The Spaniard added when asked about the midfielder’s injury problems: “Yes certainly. Well, he was out for a long period with a shoulder injury. He came back in pre-season he looked really good and then he got injured. So a lot of things have happened to him in the last year.
“Again he needs to establish here, he needs to be settled here, he needs to really find his role in the team and at the club. And that will help him to have a clear path of the direction that we want to take with him. He needs to have trust in him because we really believe in him. And go forward, and no fear, and go for it, because he has the quality to do it.”
Emile Smith Rowe Stats
According to WhoScored, Smith Rowe has provided two assists in three Premier League matches for Arsenal so far this season.
The 20-year-old has also made one start and two substitute appearances in the Europa League for the Gunners, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Potential successor to Mesut Ozil
With the future of Mesut Ozil uncertain, Arsenal do need a capable attacking midfielder to create chances.
Smith Rowe is fast emerging as a potential long-term successor to Ozil, who himself has praised the 20-year-old.
Of course, the youngster should not be put under too much pressure now as he is just starting his career, but the signs are very promising for him indeed.
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