Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans not to heap pressure on Emile Smith Rowe on the club’s official website.
Smith Rowe has made such a bright start to life in Arsenal’s first-team that he has immediately drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s star playmaker.
Arsenal supporters have affectionately christened Smith Rowe ‘the Croydon De Bruyne’.
But Arteta has urged supporters just to call the 20-year-old by his first name, as he still has a long journey ahead of him.
“Call him Emile. Let’s keep it simple. It’s just the start and there’s a lot to do,” Arteta said.
Smith Rowe’s importance to Arsenal’s team seems to be growing by the week.
The prospect has stepped into the Gunners’ starting line-up of late and helped inspire them to four wins on the bounce.
Smith Rowe’s status as a star for the senior side was confirmed at the weekend, as he came off the bench to score a crucial goal in their 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
Smith Rowe will now surely start again on Thursday evening, when Arsenal are next in action against Crystal Palace.
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