Andros Townsend has admitted to the ITV Football Podcast that Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe impressed him with his performance against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners against Townsend’s Palace side in midweek, with the Gunners picking up an important three points, which kept their European hopes alive.
Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t quite at their free flowing best, but they did produce some eye catching moves.
And when asked for a player who caught his eye, Townsend picked out the Arsenal creator as the pick of the bunch.
The £13 million winger (Sky) did, however, suggest that he still feels it is slightly too early for the playmaker to go to the European Championships with England.
“Smith Rowe is another one who played very well [against Palace],” Townsend admitted.
“It’s probably too soon for the Euro’s, because he’s in a group – he’s another number 10, and is very technical and England are very blessed in that position.”
Smith Rowe may not make it to the Euro’s this summer, but international recognition cannot be too far away if he continues to perform to his current levels.
The youngster only broke into Arsenal’s team at the turn of the year, but he has quickly become a vital player.
Arsenal are now heavily reliant on him to provide their creativity, and the fact that even opposition players are stating their admiration for him, shows just how impressive a talent he is.
Smith Rowe is now surely likely to start in Arsenal’s final game of the season, which comes against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
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