Alan Smith says Arsenal have a truly ‘fine talent’ in their ranks with so many great traits

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Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has been praised by Gunners legend Alan Smith, who says the 20-year-old is a “fine talent”.

The 20-year-old is one of the best players to graduate from the Hale End setup in recent years and, alongside Bukayo Saka, has cemented his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Smith Rowe had to bide his time at the Emirates Stadium, with just two Premier League appearances prior to last Christmas.

However, Arteta finally named him in the starting XI against Chelsea on Boxing Day – his full Premier League debut – and the rest is history.

Smith Rowe has made 43 senior appearances for Arsenal, of which 31 have come this season, and has registered four goals and seven assists.

His latest goal came on Wednesday night as he scored the winner in the 1-0 triumph at Chelsea.

Smith Rowe netted thanks to a mistake from Jorginho, who misjudged a back pass and nearly sent it into the open goal.

Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to keep it out, but the ball fell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who teed up his teammate for a simple finish.

“Emile Smith Rowe is a fine talent,” Smith said on Sky Sports (12/5/21, 21:49) during the match.

“He’s got that acceleration about him. he’s got composure and confidence… And he’s just nutmegged Thiago Silva. What more do you want?!”

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Smith Rowe has been this season’s Hale End success story, following on from Saka’s footsteps last year, and like his teammate, he’ll hopefully commit his future to the club long-term soon.

It’s not been a great season for Arsenal but with the likes of Smith Rowe – and of course Saka and other Hale End starts – the future continues to look bright for the Gunners.