Jamie Carragher has told Monday Night Football, which was broadcast on Sky Sports, that he thinks Mesut Ozil’s departure could be great news for Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal.
Ozil is expected to leave Arsenal in the coming days, with his transfer to Fenerbahce almost officially completed now.
The German playmaker has not featured for Arsenal all campaign, with Mikel Arteta looking at other options.
But Carragher feels that Smith Rowe could still benefit from Ozil leaving, as it will reduce the pressure on him.
“He looks like he’s in a position now, with the transfer that we’re talking about [Ozil leaving] that he could almost flourish,” he said.
“Ozil was never going to play but just having someone like that lurking in the background.”
If Smith Rowe does have another level to go to after Ozil’s departure is confirmed, then Arsenal fans are in for a treat.
The youngster has been nothing short of sensational since stepping into the Gunners’ side, with his form really catching the eye.
Smith Rowe has helped Arsenal become much more of an attacking threat, with Arteta’s side results improving hugely since he has been included.
Smith Rowe has been at the heart of everything good that Arsenal have done, but that comes as no surprise to his former England youth manager Steve Cooper.
“I actually spoke to the Swansea manager today [Steve Cooper] and he managed him in the under-17’s World Cup that England won,” Carragher revealed.
“He said it was a tough one to get him in the team, he had Foden and Sancho, but he couldn’t have spoken about a player more highly – how to deal with him, training wise and his ability to run off the ball.
“I asked him about his actual abilities and he said Maddison or Grealish, yes, they’re similar type of footballers but his actual running off the ball was something to look out for.”
Smith Rowe was at his productive best again last night, as he provided an assist in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United.
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