Jack Wilshere has claimed that Emile Smith Rowe has been a ‘shining light’ for Arsenal this season and possibly their best player, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (02/10/21 at 5:15 pm).
The free-agent suggested that Smith Rowe has taken his game to the next level this term because he has now added ‘consistency’ to his game for Arsenal.
This time last season, the 21-year-old was on the sidelines and somebody who was hardly being used in the Premier League by Mikel Arteta.
Even though the Gunners needed that creative spark, someone to pick those pockets, speed the play up in the final third and carry the ball, it was a more combative midfield that was being picked by Arteta.
Eventually, he turned to Smith Rowe and he hasn’t looked back since, and especially during this campaign, he has been outstanding.
Wilshere thinks, even during Arsenal’s troubles, the Hale-End academy graduate was standing out, as he explained what he likes about him.
“He’s a player that I really like,” said Wilshere. “He came into the team last season and made the position his.
“I think this season, even during the bad results, he was the one player. The one shining light.
“He carries the ball in that transition from defence to attack and it’s crucial in the way this team wants to play.
“Especially this season (his consistency hasn’t dropped off). Last season, it was his breakthrough season. And, at times, he gave the ball away, as all young players do. But the consistency this season, at such a young age, either Saka or him, to be their best player so far is a credit to him.”
With Gareth Southgate naming his England squad on Thursday, for the forthcoming international matches, there were some suggestions that Smith Rowe should have got a call.
Whilst it’s perhaps a little early for the expert ball-carrier, one thing is for sure, he is on the right track.
Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka were the only Arsenal players to make the English squad, with Ben White previously getting called when he was in Brighton colours.
Come the World Cup in Qatar, Saka will, more than likely, get his plane ticket, but the others have a fight on their hands.
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