Roy Keane told Sky Sports Premier League (22/08/21 at 4:15 pm) that his one issue with Emile Smith Rowe is that he needs to ‘improve his end product’ for Arsenal.
The outspoken TV pundit shared that he is a big fan of the 21-year-old and he is ‘one for the future’ at Arsenal.
This time last season, Arsenal still had Mesut Ozil on their books, whilst Smith Rowe was in the background not being used despite Mikel Arteta craving for that creative talent.
But when Smith Rowe was handed that golden ticket by his manager, he has since taken it with both hands.
Keane was pretty honest and blunt in his assessment of Smith Rowe given that he is playing for a ‘big club’.
“I always go back to it,” said Keane. “What he needs to improve on is his end product.
“In terms of his assists and goals. He is definitely one for the future. It’s just a case of producing week in and week on when you are at a big club like Arsenal.”
If Smith Rowe can improve that end product then international calls will beckon for the Hale-End academy product.
Bukayo Saka is already getting a feel of what it is like playing for England and the energetic and quick-thinking forward is thriving.
But the likes of Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish have set the bar for ball-playing England midfielders that Smith Rowe needs to reach.
In truth, he isn’t anywhere near those levels yet, but it also needs to be remembered that this is now his first full season as a professional in England’s top-flight.
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