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Alan Smith says one in-form Arsenal player has ‘brought back memories of Jack Wilshere’
Arsenal icon Alan Smith has waxed lyrical about Emile Smith Rowe, saying his display against West Brom “brought back memories of Jack Wilshere”.
The 20-year-old, long considered one of the best young talents at Hale End, has finally made his breakthrough in the Gunners first team.
Arteta used the playmaker sparingly earlier in the season but, with Arsenal in dire straits up until a few weeks ago, opted to start him in the Premier League meeting with Chelsea.
Smith Rowe justified his inclusion as he helped the Gunners run out 3-1 winners, and also started agaisnt Brighton and West Brom – also victories for the North Londoners.
And Smith noted how “desperation” led to Arteta having to gamble on Smith Rowe, something which has proven a blessing.
“The qualities of Emile Smith Rowe were less well known,” Smith wrote in the .
“Europa League football is one thing, but holding your own against Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante is quite another.
“Following on, his creativity and touch at West Brom brought back memories of Jack Wilshere bossing the play.
“As so often happens in these situations, Smith Rowe’s chance came about through desperation.
“Mikel Arteta didn’t seem all that keen to promote the playmaker, hoping instead that his senior stars would perk up.
“When they didn’t, there was no other choice. With Arteta’s credentials and decision-making getting widely questioned, the Spaniard turned to a player of unknown pedigree.
“So, let’s hope now that the success, enthusiasm and sheer effort of the youngsters rubs off on those around them.”
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claimed last year that, in Smith Rowe, “Arsenal already have their Mesut Ozil successor amid creativity concerns in Mikel Arteta’s squad”, not to mention the youngster
While Ozil’s time at Arsenal is pretty much at an end, the Hale End prodigy could well be his successor, and hopefully he’ll be able to work his magic throughout the rest of the season and continue helping the Gunners up the table and into the latter stages of tournaments.