Former England and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes that Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Frankfurt this evening is a “big opportunity” for youngster Emile Smith Rowe to get on the scoresheet.
The 19-year-old, who has risen through the ranks at Arsenal, has been included in Unai Emery’s starting line-up this evening for the first time this season.
And Smith Rowe will be eager to put himself in Emery’s thoughts for future matches by delivering the goods in the Gunners’ Europa League opener in Germany.
On how big tonight’s game is for Smith Rowe, who is no stranger to German football, spending time on loan with RB Leipzig last term, Hargreaves said: "I think for any young player, it is difficult as you want to stay fit and healthy.
"He was brilliant for Arsenal in the first six months, got that loan move because he played so well, but got the injury and was only able to play a few games at Leipzig.
"But it’s a big opportunity for him tonight and he’ll want to get on the scoresheet.”
Former Gunners defender Martin Keown, too, has been quick to back Smith Rowe, insisting that he believes he will “do well” on his maiden start of the campaign tonight.
Keown said: "I think he will do well. He looks strong, quick and he took his chance last year and deserves another one."
