Pundit ‘wowed’ by ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal development Arteta ‘will love’
Noel Whelan has hailed the “unbelievable” rivalry at Arsenal between Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Gunners boss Mikel Arteta “will love” the battle between the two stars.
Smith Rowe, 21, scored from the substitutes bench yet again as Arsenal downed Norwich with a 5-0 away win yesterday (26 December).
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Odegaard dazzled with his range of passing – grabbing two assists during the one-sided encounter.
Smith Rowe hasn’t started a league game for Arsenal since the start of December, despite already netting eight Premier League goals this term.
Whelan hailed the England youngster’s attitude, insisting the youngster is out to “prove a point”.
“It’s a great rivalry they’ve got going there,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s healthy, and it’s fantastic to watch. Odegaard will play the majority of the minutes but look at Smith-Rowe’s reaction when he comes on, wow.
“It’ll be unbelievably pleasing for Mikel Arteta to watch that healthy competition. Everyone is fighting for their place and giving him headaches at the moment, he’ll love it.
“Smith Rowe can’t stop scoring, he’s got the right attitude. He wants the team to do well, but when he comes on – he’s out there to prove a point.
“It’s a great battle, and they’re two really special number ten players who have hit their stride at the right time for Arsenal.”
Odegaard has started each of the last seven league games for Arsenal, grabbing six goal contributions.
Two-cap England star Smith Rowe has scored in each of his last four league outings – three of which came off the substitutes bench.
In other news, Kevin Campbell is ‘buzzing’ for one Arsenal player after an ‘incredible’ training ground reveal.