Ashley Cole has lauded Emile Smith Rowe and claimed that he is now one of Arsenal’s ‘better’ and ‘biggest’ players, as he told Sky Sports News (09/11/21 at 5:25 pm).
The Hale-End academy product was called up by England for the first time this week and Cole shared that it’s a push to the senior side that Smith Rowe deserves.
With his footballing boots now locked away, Cole is now trying to bring through the next generation and is part of England U21’s coaching set-up.
He has previously worked with Smith Rowe and would have done so again this week, if it wasn’t for the call by Gareth Southgate.
Nonetheless, Cole spoke in awe as to how Smith Rowe conducts himself and how he has the capabilities to become a top player.
“He’s one of Arsenal’s biggest and better players this season alone and last season,” said Cole.
“I think his hard work and dedication, and of course qualities, is paid off. He’s got the opportunity now to go up with the senior team and knowing the boy that he is, with that mentality, will not change.
“Very humble kid. Willing to learn and listen. I will keep saying it, willing to develop and trying to be the top player.
“I think it’s well deserved and hopefully we can get a few more from this group going up because they all deserve it.”
In recent years, Arsenal fans haven’t had many of their players called up for England, but it seems as though that is starting to change.
Bukayo Saka is leading the charge and has been a key member of the squad for a long while now.
Smith Rowe will be hoping to join his fellow academy star on that road, whilst the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White will be hoping to be part of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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