Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Over the years, Arsenal have had many young superstars. In fact, they’ve probably had more than most. No matter what position it is, you could name an Arsenal player to have mastered it. Especially when it comes to midfielders, when we look at the likes of Viera, Fabregas, Pires, Overmars, Ljunberg, the list goes on. Although all those players are in the past now, Arsenal must look forward and build a new XI filled with superstar players.
Since the arrival of Michel Arteta as their manager, who also was once a midfielder for the club, they have developed their youth players heavily and are constantly looking for ways to get the younger players into the team who can develop the appropriate mindset and playing style of what Arsenal was once known for.
When we look at the likes of Ramsdale, Tierney, Martinelli, Tomiyasu, Saka, etc, it is clear that there is a strong focus on the younger players to mould them into Arsenal wonder boys. One of the most promising on the lot, who we believe is on the way to becoming possibly one of the best midfielders in football, is Emile Smith-Rowe.
Emile Smith-Rowe is only 21 years old and has already broken into the Arsenal first team. At such a young age, Emile has also had a call-up for the England national team, which further emphasises how good he has been thus far for the Gunners. He is playing a major part in Arsenal’s battle for Champions League football next season, which might be decided on the last day of the season with how tight the points are for 4th. You can check out the latest Arsenal odds & football betting and place your predictions.
Emile Smith-Rowe Career So Far
Despite only being 21 years old, Emile Smith-Rowe already has undergone some big moments in his playing career, it wasn’t just as easy as being put in the Arsenal line-up from day 1.
Prior to signing for Arsenal, Emile had a trial at Chelsea FC, a big rival in the premier league. He secured this trial through a teammate of his local team. Unfortunately for Emile at the time, he didn’t manage to get into the team and was very disappointed by this. At such a young age, this would have certainly knocked the youngster’s confidence, like it does with so many players.
Despite this rejection, Emile didn’t give up and continued to play the way he knew, which then later got him into the Arsenal squad, where he hasn’t looked back since.
Emile Smith Rowe had a spell at RB Leipzig, however only managed 3 matches for the club, without managing a goal or assist. Nevertheless, it was the start of a promising career for a very young player trying to come through the ranks. It is moves like these that really help to develop players, as they throw themselves into the deep end, in a new country, new league, new language and new team so only praise can be given to Emile for this.
He then had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town, where his career really started to pick up. He managed 19 appearances, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists. His performances were enough for Arsenal to allow him to continue his career there, moving into the U18s and U23s. After 54 games, 21 goals and 8 assists in the youth squad, it was time for his big step up to the first team.
Arteta has always admired youth players and tried to fit them into his team when he can and the development of Smith-Rowe is one thing Arteta can put on his CV proudly. So far he has over 70 appearances for the Gunners and is approaching the 20 goals mark. Who knows where these stats will end up but every Arsenal fan will be praying Smith-Rowe does spend every single remaining minute of his playing career at Arsenal.
As well as being a key player for Arsenal, we are all hoping he can shine for England as well, with the Qatar World Cup 2022 coming up in November. After previous performances in the last World Cup and Euros being somewhat impressive but also disappointing, the only step up from here is to win the World Cup. Emile Smith-Rowe could have a serious contribution to this as he will bring composure, creativity and a lot of energy to the midfield, something England have lacked when it comes to the bigger games in tournaments as they tend to sit off and be more panicky.
Photo by Unsplash
