Shay Given has claimed that Emile Smith Rowe is a ‘very exciting’ player for Arsenal, as he told Matchday Live Extra on PL Productions (19/02/22 at 8:55 pm).
The former Premier League goalkeeper added that the Hale-End academy product has a ‘huge future’ ahead of him.
On Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a 2-1 win over Brentford, with Smith Rowe opening the scoring at the Emirates.
Ever since Arteta was handed the keys to the job, one thing that has been constant during his time at the club is him building towards the youngsters.
Smith Rowe is a main feature of this Champions League-chasing Arsenal side and Given heaped praise on the 20-year-old.
“He is a very exciting young player,” said Given. “He has a huge future in front of him.
“I think Raya in goal might be disappointed with the goal. He could have done better.
“But Arsenal will be happy to get back to winning ways – they are in with a shout. They have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.”
These past 18 months have been game-changing for Smith Rowe because he has transformed his game.
He has gone from being outside of the Arsenal squad to being a key player for Arteta and now an England international.
Now it’s a case of being able to live up to the high expectations that are coming his way, which he is doing so far, and taking his game to much higher levels.
If he can do that, alongside his teammates, then there is no reason why the Gunners shouldn’t return to Champions League football.
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