Praise for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe is slightly premature, according to former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince.
Smith Rowe has made a positive impact since featuring more frequently in Mikel Arteta’s side of late, with the 20-year-old starting in successive Premier League victories against Chelsea, Brighton and West Bromwich Albion.
The attacking midfielder has received plaudits from Gunners fans and pundits alike after registering assists in the 3-1 win over Chelsea and the 4-0 thrashing of the Baggies on Saturday.
The academy product, who has previously spent time on loan with RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, has been a breath of fresh air for Arsenal, who had been struggling to create chances over a poor run of form previously.
Arsenal had won just one of 10 matches before the current three-game winning streak, with the Gunners failing to score in six of those games.
Playing alongside fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka, Smith Rowe has helped brighten up the attack, with the form of Alexandre Lacazette in particular much improved.
However, while Arsenal’s recent improvement is undeniable, Ince has offered a note of caution for Arteta’s young midfielder.
“I don’t think Smith-Rowe is quite there yet,” he told Premier League Productions.
“It’s a learning curve for him. They’re getting there.”
Smith Rowe has worked his way into Arteta’s side thanks to his form in the Europa League where he recorded two assists and scored one goal in successive games against Molde, Rapid Vienna and Dundalk in November and December.
Ince’s fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves has been impressed by what he’s seen recently, with Smith Rowe and Saka combining well with Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“I think Smith-Rowe is good. He’s smart, he plays quick, he doesn’t take too many touches – he knows he’s not a skilful flair player,” he said.
“Arteta has found a blend with these young guns to go alongside Aubameyang.”
Arsenal will look to extend their winning run when they face Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, before Premier League home games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle once again.
