Arsenal talent Charlie Patino has lauded Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe for their work ethic in training at London Colney since making the step up from Hale End.
Speaking to Goal, the teenage midfielder revealed that he has been blown away by the effort the Arsenal duo put into training, with Saka and Smith Rowe two of the Gunners’ best players this season in what could be a remarkable year for the north London side.
Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings mainly due to the performances of some of the youngest players at the club, with Smith Rowe the Gunners’ top goalscorer this campaign and Saka having the most goal involvements.
Patino himself has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season, with the youngster scoring on his Arsenal debut in the League Cup. And according to the prospect, he has been amazed by how Saka and Smith Rowe conduct themselves in training at London Colney.
Patino said: “Bukayo and Emile are obviously very talented players, but I think what also separates them from a lot of other talented players who have come through is their attitude, their mindset and how humble they are.
“It’s very difficult coming straight from Hale End to London Colney and then getting straight to the first-team without really going on loan. That’s a credit to their work ethic and what they do every day.”
Patino admiration for Saka and Smith Rowe could forge another Arsenal diamond
Saka and Smith Rowe have been essential to Arsenal’s success this season, along with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, and with Patino now learning from the high-flying young guns, the north London side could soon have another sensation on their hands.
With the 18-year-old already impressing in the first team this season, Patino could progress another step next campaign with Mikel Arteta likely to hand the youngster more chances with the seniors, and learning under Saka and Smith Rowe will be huge for the midfielder’s development.
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