Emile Smith Rowe is going from strength to strength in an Arsenal shirt after signing a contract extension in the summer.
The Gunners fended off interest from Aston Villa as they handed the youngster the no.10 shirt, making it clear they wanted him to be the focal point of their rebuild under Mikel Arteta.
The arrival of Martin Odegaard later that summer put that under threat, however, according to the likes of Paul Merson.
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The former Gooner claimed that Smith Rowe would "suffer" as a result of the Norwegian's switch to the Emirates as he would be forced out wide, away from his preferred no.10 position.
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Merson told the Daily Star: “What sort of message does signing Odegaard send to Emile Smith Rowe?”
“I can see why he held out signing a new contract. When Odegaard came on loan he ended up playing out on the wing. But Emile Smith Rowe is a No 10. He’s the future at Arsenal. He came through the ranks and he makes things happen.
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“He is the one who is going to suffer most from them buying Odegaard. What really is the difference between them anyway? I think they are too similar. But I know who’s not getting picked if it starts going wrong and it won’t be the £30m new signing.
“I know they both played in the same team last season but it was a problem. Smith Rowe didn’t look comfortable on the wing. It’s like making a centre-back play at right-back. However hard you try, sooner or later you’re going to get dropped.”
Odegaard might be of a similar mould to Smith Rowe, but Arsenal has been able to prove there is space for both of them in this Arsenal side.
Odegaard was given the nod in the early stages of the season, but since both of them starred in the same XI against Burnley last month, everything has changed for Arteta's men.
The former Madrid man dropped back into the no.8 position alongside Thomas Partey, while Smith Rowe played in behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This was an effective set-up as Odegaard could dictate play from deep while also allowing Smith Rowe to operate in his 'favoured' position.
Odegaard has since reverted back to a no.10, however, with Smith Rowe going out wide left. Again, this was impactful for the north London club as both were able to get on the ball at the top end of the pitch.
Smith Rowe, and Arsenal, arguably had his best game of the season when Odegaard wasn't on the pitch, however, as he scored a goal and registered an assist in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Friday night.
Arteta played Alexandre Lacazette up top with Aubameyang to good effect as Smith Rowe played out on the left-wing.
He was clearly one of the best players on the pitch and he didn't need to play as a no.10 showing his versatility.
Smith Rowe can play anywhere along the front line which is proving to be a huge asset for Arteta and, even though Odegaard was left out on this occasion, it's obvious that they can co-exist together to devastating effect.
