Ledley King has raved about ‘tremendous’ Arsenal player that plays like he is a lot older than he actually is

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Ledley King has told the Kelly & Wrighty Show that Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe is a “tremendous” player, that is similar to Paul Gascoigne.

Smith-Rowe, 21, has been sensational this season. In his last six Premier League games, he has scored four goals, and laid on two assists.

His incredible form has seen him earn a call-up to the England squad. Although not a part of the original squad, he came in to replace injuries.

Now, the Arsenal no.10 could be about to win his first cap as England take on Albania and San Marino over the next few days in World Cup qualifying.

Speaking to the Kelly & Wrighty Show, Tottenham legend King was full of praise for the playmaker – even likening him to Spurs icon Gascoigne.

“He plays with a maturity. He seems so much older than 21, the way he plays the game. A tremendous player,” King said.

“Scoring goals is the next part of his game, he’s got to score goals to go to the next level and he’s doing that. He’s a natural player, Gascoigne-esque.”

King on Smith-Rowe: Is Arsenal star’s long-term future at Emirates?

Boasting a contract until June 2026, there are currently no concerns regarding the midfielder’s future at Arsenal. But for how long?

His breakthrough into the England side sees Smith-Rowe now on a level playing field with the excellent Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners duo are the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s new Arsenal era. But for how long can Arsenal keep them, and their ambitions matched?

For now and the next couple of seasons, Saka and Smith-Rowe will be happy to represent the club they played for at academy level.

But failing to get into the top four soon, will see Saka and Smith-Rowe exceed Arsenal’s reach. Arteta needs to keep their ambitions met.