Jack Wilshere picked out Emile Smith Rowe as a "shining light" for Arsenal and also reserved special praise for his fellow youngster Bukayo Saka.
The duo have each chipped in with two goals and one assist this season and they were standout performers even as the Gunners endured a torrid 2020/21 campaign.
Smith Rowe, 21, and Saka, 20, showed just why they are regarded as two of England's brightest talents as they shone in the north London derby last Sunday.
Although the pair were kept at bay during the goalless draw at Brighton on Saturday, Emirates hero Wilshere delivered a glowing verdict ahead of kick-off.
"He’s a player that I really like," Wilshere told Sky Sports of Smith Rowe.
"He came into the team really last year and sort of made the position his but I think this season, even in the bad results he was the one player, the one shining light.
"He carries the ball so well in that transition from defence to attack. He is crucial to how this team wants to play."
Prior to last season, Smith Rowe had only made 12 senior appearances for Arsenal, whom he joined as a child in 2010.
But Mikel Arteta noticed the attacking midfielder's vast potential and handed him 33 appearances in all competitions in the 2020/21 campaign.
Saka, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength in recent years, registering seven goals in 46 appearances last term to establish himself in the England squad.
How impressive have Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka been this season? Have your say in the comments.
Wilshere believes the versatile midfielder has strong claims to be Arsenal's best player this season, although Smith Rowe is also right up there.
"Especially this season, last season was sort of like his breakthrough season and at times he gave the ball away as all young players do," added Wilshere on Smith Rowe.
"But he had a great season last season. But this season, the consistency, at such a young age to be Arsenal’s, for me either him or Saka, probably him their best player this season so far is credit to him."
Saka has earned 11 caps for England since making his senior debut last year and could soon be joined by Smith Rowe in the Three Lions ranks.
"He (Smith Rowe) is a player we like a lot and he was very close to making this squad," said Gareth Southgate earlier this week.
The England manager added: "I thought his performance against Tottenham was very good. We know how he finished last season as well. I can only say he’s a player we like and he’s very close."
