Arsenal’s 22-year-old Emile Smith Rowe can propel Arsenal to a serious title push if he stays fit this season.
The Hale End graduate’s impact before injury has been forgotten and he could end up being key for the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal’s young midfielder has been speaking on Arsenal’s US tour via the Independent.
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Smith Rowe said his comeback has been incredibly tough but he’s finally feeling “pain free.”
He said: “Last year was really hard for me, so I just want to kick on now and prove that I can play for this club.
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“It was really tough because I had surgery twice, so it was really hard.
“This was my first time having surgery, so it was a really hard decision to take but I went for it.
“I’m happy that I don’t feel anything there anymore. I am really happy to be fully fit now.”
Smith Rowe recently starred in England’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship win and will now look to kick on in pre-season.
Having faced Manchester United last night, you would expect the London-born midfielder to play in Arsenal’s remaining pre-season games.
Smith Rowe barely featured for Arsenal last season and will now be very keen to show his previous levels again.
Handed the number 10 shirt, Smith Rowe is an integral part of Arsenal’s plans and any rumours of a departure this summer were quickly quashed.
Alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, the midfielder was key to Arsenal turning the corner under Mikel Arteta.
Smith-Rowe was taking on as much responsibility as anyone during that period and it does seem that impact has been forgotten.
Smith Rowe can help Arteta’s Arsenal lift the Premier League title
Perhaps one reason Emile Smith Rowe’s ability has been forgotten is the emergence of Gabriel Martinelli.
It’s hard to remember Martinelli being a bit-part player now but just a short time ago he was vying for Smith Rowe’s spot in the side.
You would now hope that the two can play together – Smith Rowe looks perfectly ready to play in the vacated Granit Xhaka role in a similar vein to Kai Havertz.
Either way, the added quality and enthusiasm Smith Rowe will bring to this side can’t be understated.
To use a cliche, he really will be like a new signing.
As well as being crucial in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, when squad depth will be paramount, Smith Rowe can raise levels with his competition for places.
If Arsenal are to go one better than last season and win the title, Smith Rowe will be one of several key factors.