Emile Smith Rowe says 24-year-old Arsenal player has been ‘amazing’ so far this season

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Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has hailed Declan Rice’s contribution since he joined the club in the summer.

The Gunners have had a rough few weeks. They’ve won just one of their last seven games, but before that terrible run, most of their results were fantastic. Rice was arguably Arsenal‘s best player in that period.

Emile Smith Rowe says Declan Rice has been ‘amazing’ for Arsenal

Arsenal signed Declan Rice for a club-record fee from West Ham United in the summer.

A few eyebrows were raised about the £105 million fee (Sky Sports), but nobody really felt he’d be anything but a huge success in the famous red and white.

Rice has not disappointed. He has been brilliant for Arsenal and has looked like he has been a part of Mikel Arteta‘s squad for years.

Emile Smith Rowe has now had his say on the Arsenal number 41, and he has hailed how ‘amazing’ Rice has been. He also praised his leadership qualities.

Smith Rowe told Arsenal.com: “I think we’ve definitely pushed on and we look really strong this year. We’ve added some new players and brought a few new players in and they’ve added a lot of strength to the team.

“It’s great to see Declan here. I knew him a bit from playing with England before, and he’s a great guy. Obviously, everyone can see what he’s doing on the pitch – he’s been amazing for us. But off the pitch too and around the training ground, he’s added more leadership.

“The way he demands the best from himself and his teammates is really good. He’s one of the big leaders here already.”

Smith Rowe deserves more chances

Declan Rice is one of the first names on Arsenal’s team sheet, and that’s not going to change. He is an exceptional footballer, but so is Emile Smith Rowe.

The 23-year-old has had a torrid time with injuries over the last 18 months. He has barely played over that period, but he is fit and ready now, and really does deserve more opportunities.

With Mikel Arteta moving Kai Havertz up top in Arsenal’s last game, there’s room for Smith Rowe to come in and play as a left-sided attacking midfielder. He needs to start more often.

The Englishman has the talent to become a star there, and if he gets a good run of games, we’re convinced he will be a real asset for the Gunners.