Arsenal’s academy production is admired throughout England, with the club frequently saving millions due to the quality and consistency of emerging top-quality youngsters.
Instead of having to go out and buy a world-class winger, Bukayo Saka was forged, and in the same vein, the squad does not need to be padded out with an expensive supporting cast, as Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson all serve to fill such roles.
However, Emile Smith-Rowe has had a difficult year, with injuries clouding his position on this team.
When he first appeared on the scene, it was expected that he would surpass the former, anchoring an attacking line dominated by top Hale End graduates. However, a series of ailments has caused him to fall into the latter category, somewhat forgotten in the midst of all the success in his absence.
The 22-year-old will look to fill that role in the coming months, as he appears to have returned to fitness, as evidenced by his recent cameos for both club and country.
On his comeback, his goal against France U21s was a cathartic moment for the young forward, who will look to reignite a career that has already garnered praise.
How much is Emile Smith-Rowe now worth?
The trickster has been around the first team for many years, having made his debut as an 18-year-old.
However, the playmaker’s time with the senior team peaked last season, when he scored double figures in the league for the first time in his career. Before his injury, the youngster was poised to improve even more, but he will now have to wait until next season to truly shine again.
While establishing himself as a top-level competitor, Smith-Rowe received a lot of praise from a lot of big names. While speaking with Saka, journalist Mark Mann-Bryans first mentioned the 6-foot starlet’s emergence as a “game-changer,” before Arsenal legend Martin Keown suggested the talent was “special,” and a “better player” than current captain Martin Odegaard.
Given the importance of the Norway international in their current title charge – a player involved in 17 goals this season – this claim only emphasizes how important the attacking midfielder was.
Smith Rowe’s meteoric rise has been aided by a startling market value of £26 million, according to CIES Football Observatory. Given his low cost, the club has struck gold with the development of the attacking midfielder.
After finally starting to make his long-awaited comeback, his presence could be crucial in bringing the title back to the Emirates.
