Whatever happens for Arsenal this season, the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe has been a huge plus.
The 20-year-old has been in and around the Gunners’ senior squad for a couple of years and even made his debut under Arsene Wenger as a teenager, before having two loan spells away from the Emirates.
But since December, Smith Rowe has been an ever-present figure in an Arsenal side that has progressively improved since Mikel Arteta started using him more.
The Hale End graduate had to be patient for the first half of the season, even when Mesut Ozil was exiled, but he has certainly grasped his opportunity with both hands.
Even when Arsenal signed Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid in January, a player in a similar position as Smith Rowe, his head hasn’t dropped and if anything, the added competition has improved him again.
There’s no doubt about the kid’s ability, but attitude is also so important for any footballer – especially one at the beginning of their career – but Jamie Redknapp has revealed in The Daily Mail that he has heard glowing things about Smith Rowe’s mentality in training, from Freddie Ljungberg.
The legendary Swede knows Smith Rowe from his time working with Arsenal’s academy players and here’s what Redknapp revealed: “I asked your old Arsenal coach Ljungberg about you the other day and he couldn’t praise you enough, especially for your attitude in training. At your age it’s easy to doubt yourself. You’re suddenly going up against guys you’re used to seeing on TV!”
This was always going to be a make-or-break season for the young lad after returning from a loan in the Championship last term.
Failing to impress as much as he has done might’ve resulted in another loan next season and it’s always difficult to succeed at your parent club when they’ve loaned you out twice, at this age.
But so far, this season has been the making of Smith Rowe and it’s fascinating to see how much better he’ll become.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
