Pundit suggests Smith Rowe set to be ‘main man’ amid Arsenal twist
Noel Whelan has insisted it is “crucial” for Emile Smith Rowe to show he can be the “main man” for Arsenal if he starts in Europa League games this term.
The former Leeds striker was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the build-up to the Gunners’ first group stage match away at FC Zurich on Thursday (8 August).
Smith Rowe has played just 47 minutes so far this term and is yet to start a game for Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign.
The midfielder, who signed a fresh five-year contract last summer (2021), scored 11 goals in 37 appearances last season.
He received his first senior England call-up in November 2021 and has gone on to make three appearances under Gareth Southgate’s stewardship – scoring once.
As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein (4 September), Smith Rowe pulled up with a muscular injury after Arsenal’s loss against Man United – throwing his participation against FC Zurich into doubt.
Whelan urged the 22-year-old to capitalise on the opportunity if he is fit enough to start in the Europa League showdown.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “What a player to have on standby.
“Odegaard has started the season so well – he’s shown his quality with the goals and assists and his leadership abilities on the pitch.
“These European games are a real opportunity for Smith Rowe now. He can create, score, run at defenders – we’ve seen all that.
“He needs to go out there with that belief that he can be that main man in the midfield.
“He’s got to give Arteta something to think about now he’s got this opportunity – it’s crucial. He has to stamp his authority on these games.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire salutes Arsenal as new “expansion” plan emerges.