Mikel Arteta hints at surprise new role for ‘exceptional’ Arsenal talent

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Arsenal might have spent most of January chasing a new striker but according to Mikel Arteta, the club might already have one in their ranks in the form of Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe came back into the starting XI and scored at the weekend as Arsenal saw off Brentford at The Emirates.

The young midfielder has been outstanding all season before an injury disrupted his progress and Gabriel Martinelli seized his chance on the left. But with Martinelli suspended, Smith Rowe did the same and took his moment at the weekend. Certainly, it’s given Mikel Arteta plenty of food for thought in terms of selection.

However, the Arsenal boss might well find a way to fit all his attacking players in at once. And speaking after the game this weekend, the Spaniard hinted that Smith Rowe could be someone he uses as a central striker in the future.

“He can play as a left winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a nine — very, very well I think,” Arteta said. (quotes via Metro)

Smith Rowe, 21, certainly has no issue hitting the back of the net. He’s into double figures this season and fully backing up comments from Gareth Southgate, who said the Arsenal man had ‘exceptional’ ball control last year.

TBR’s View: Smith Rowe A Jack Of All Trades For Arsenal

But can he be a master of one? That will be the big question for Smith Rowe and Arsenal’s coaching staff as time ticks by.

The idea of him playing as a nine though is intriguing. He certainly has all the tools in the locker to play such a role and over time, could develop himself even further into it. His finishing is good, he is deceptively strong, and he can shift when he gets moving.

It will be interesting to see if Arteta uses him up top between now and May. With Lacazette on his way, it wouldn’t actually be the worst idea going. And if it works out, it could actually save the club millions in the market.