SHOOT for the Stars: Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe

Here at SHOOT we endeavour to keep a watchful eye over the emerging talents in world football and keep you in the know in terms of who you should be watching out for in the years to come.

Following last month’s edition on Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, this time we switch back to the capital city to focus on the bright future of Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

The England Under-18 international has been on the books of the Premier League club since 2010, when he was just 10-years-old.

The Hale End graduate joined The Gunners’ senior team during their pre-season tour of Singapore this July, highlighting how highly rated the teenager is at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe scores against Atletico Madrid during pre-season.

Smith Rowe scored during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup, before providing an assist for striker Alexandre Lacazette during their impressive 5-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain on his 18th birthday.

A few days later, the midfielder, who relishes playing on the left wing or in a central attacking role, put pen to paper on a new long-term professional contract at the North London club.

Earlier this month, the Gunners gem opened the scoring inside four minutes during the Under-23’s side’s 3-0 win at Coventry City in the Checkatrade Trophy.

And, to cap off a whirlwind few months, Smith Rowe made his first-team competitive debut for The Gunners during the 4-2 UEFA Europa League win against Vorskla Poltava, replacing Alex Iwobi for the final 20 minutes at the Emirates, becoming the first Arsenal debutant born in the 2000s.

Furthermore, as if Arsenal fans weren’t impressed with the teenager already, the young lad honoured his mum by giving her his shirt which he wore against Vorskla. How heartwarming.

Not only has the hot prospect shined for club, but also for country. He was part of the England squad that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India last October.

Tipped for a very bright future in North London, having said to have turned down the likes of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as La Liga giants FC Barcelona, during his youth career, SHOOT have already worked with Smith Rowe during our SHOOT Skills series.

The Croydon-born player is an attack-minded and skilful midfielder, who has an eye for goal and is capable of pulling off a wonder goal.

Blessed with piercing vision, Smith Rowe loves to get forward, go on a mazy run and try his luck at goal, with both feet.

A confident youth graduate, Smith Rowe is an exciting and quick attacker who has the ability to unlock defences in a flash, whether it be a delightful through ball, or a dazzling dribble with his tricky feet.

Labelled one of the most exciting prospects at the club, new head coach Unai Emery admitted the midfielder has “lots of potential” after he agreed a new long-term deal earlier this summer.

He added, “He is working very hard and has lots of potential.

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe in action with Vorskla Poltava’s Ardin Dallku in the Europa League.

“I look forward to working with him and the other young players and helping them to develop as Arsenal players.”

The Spaniard even reportedly vetoed plans to send Smith Rowe out on loan this campaign, despite having offers from the Championship and abroad, because Emery wants the teenager to stay with his first-team squad.

A huge compliment for the Young Lions starlet, who is the future of Arsenal Football Club.