Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe has revealed the one team-mate that has helped him settle into the first team best.
Smith Rowe started again for the Gunners on Monday night as the Gunners stormed to a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle.
And the 20-year-old once again drew the plaudits for his mature performance, helping to set up Bukayo Saka for Arsenal’s second goal.
The England youth international was asked at full-time if there was one player in particular that had helped him settle into Mikel Arteta’s plans.
And Smith Rowe was indignant in his response, revealing that French striker Alexandre Lacazette had played an important role in his development.
"Alexandre Lacazette, playing with him up top, really helps me,” Smith Rowe replied. “He gives me a lot of confidence off the pitch and he talks to me a lot."
Speaking about the win on the whole, Smith Rowe said that he thinks the result is a reflection of how far Arsenal have come since their struggles earlier this term.
"We all enjoyed it so much as we are coming together as a team. We are really happy with the win,” he said.
"I feel like we are coming together as a group. We are so much stronger now. Everyone is getting fit and together on the training pitch. It showed.”
Smith Rowe also expressed his pleasure at how Arteta had instructed him to play, with the attacking-midfielder admitting that the Spaniard appears to have put a lot of faith in him.
"He tells me so much to play free, clear my mind and be confident,” Smith Rowe went on. “If I make a mistake he tells me to carry on.
“I’m so happy to play for a manager like Mikel and to get these opportunities.
"Growing up, I have always tried to play one-touch. If I know what I want to do before the ball arrives, why not play one touch?"
