Arsenal staff have an interesting theory about Emile Smith Rowe as the 22-year-old prepares to make his first start of the season.
What’s the story?
Well – according to the Evening Standard – the Arsenal No.10 is expected to be a part of Mikel Arteta’s front three.
However, the Spaniard’s coaching staff – such as the likes of Albert Stuivenberg and Miguel Molina – believe Smith Rowe could actually end up playing alongside Martin Ødegaard in a No.8 role.
It was Fabio Vieira who started in the No.8 role next to the Norway international on Saturday, while Granit Xhaka has been used in that area for the majority of the current campaign.
The Evening Standard add that Smith Rowe would relish the challenge, as he prepares to make a proper comeback for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s Hale End graduate is expected to make his first start of the season against Sporting CP on Thursday evening, having made nine appearances as a substitute in what has been a difficult campaign so far.
Smith Rowe underwent surgery on his groin earlier in this term, and has been eased back to full fitness by Arteta.
Smith Rowe gives Arsenal plenty of options
In our view, there is no need to stick a definitive position on Smith Rowe.
The London-born wonderkid is talented enough to make an impact in a number of areas, as he proved last season when he impressively scored ten goals in 33 Premier League appearances.
Therefore, Arteta shouldn’t nail Smith Rowe down to one fixed position, and should instead use him strategically depending on the opposition.
For example, an opponent with a strong, pacey right-back may nullify Smith Rowe if he plays on the left of the front three, so using him as a No.8 would be wiser in that particular scenario.
Whatever happens, Arsenal have a tremendous talent on their hands, one we hope can now stay out of the treatment room.
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