Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe as an ‘incredible talent’ after the midfielder’s cameo in the club’s 3-0 win over Molde last night.
The young ace came on in the 74th minute and assisted Folarin Balogun’s first senior goal for the club.
In his post-match press conference, the Spaniard claimed that the Croydon-born player has ‘incredible talent’, however, warned fans that he needs time.
Arteta said: “Emi is a player with incredible talent who just needs time. He’s got the ability and the quality to play for this club. Mentally it’s always a challenge because the demands are so high and the pressure is high to play here. You need to hit those levels to become an Arsenal player.”
“It’s down to him as well. I really like him and it’s a player that we had a little bit patient and we’ve got a great player there.” (via football.london)
Should Emile Smith Rowe get more first-team opportunities?
Yes
No
With Arsenal struggling to create from open play in the Premier League, the comments will be music to the ears of both Gooners and Smith Rowe himself. It would be hard to imagine Arteta will carry on to hamstring the side of creativity in the final third, meaning the £2.43m-rated 20-year-old will surely get chances in games to come.
The England youth international proves far too good for youth football and having impressed whilst on loan at Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, you’d imagine the next step would be increased first-team action in N5.
Arteta’s policy this season has to slowly introduce youth stars as the senior players fail to produce. It has seen the likes of Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah get increased playing time in recent outings. You’d have to imagine as creativity continues to be a problem, Smith Rowe would get the game time he is so badly craving.
In other news, Arsenal are interested in signing this La Liga ace.
