BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Third … [+] Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesNot so long ago, Emile Smith Rowe was widely seen as Arsenal’s next big thing. The young midfielder broke through three seasons ago, making 20 PremierPINC League appearances during the 2020/21 campaign. He followed it up with 33 appearances the following season. Then injury struck.
Groin surgery at the start of the 2022/23 season left Smith Rowe sidelined for one of the most momentous periods in Arsenal’s recent history, certainly since the exit of Arsene Wenger. He still managed to make 12 appearances last term, but Smith Rowe was a peripheral figure even when he was available.
Mikel Arteta’s team took a giant leap forward in their development last season and it’s possible they might have left Smith Rowe behind. Arsenal seemingly no longer see the 23-year-old as a key part of their future. The Gunners have better options in a system that doesn’t play to the strengths of Smith Rowe.
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: (L) Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with (2ndL) Emile Smith Rowe … [+] during a training session at London Colney on September 29, 2023 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesArteta has deployed his team in a 4-3-3 shape since the start of next season which doesn’t have a clear role for a player like Smith Rowe who likes to play in behind the central striker. Martin Odegaard is used as the most advanced figure in the midfield three, but Smith Rowe requires more freedom to play his best soccer.
“Here he is incredibly popular,” Arteta said of Smith Rowe ahead of the Carabao Cup third round match against Brentford which the 23-year-old started. “We all love him. It’s no different to what the people feel to what we feel about him.
“The best position for Emile is in those pockets. It is not to play as a pure winger. I think it suits him, I think the relationships will suit him. Now he needs the minutes and he needs to prove that he can do what he can do.”
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the UEFA … [+] Champions League Group B match between Arsenal and PSV at Emirates Stadion on September 20, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR AgencyGetty Images)
Getty ImagesOf course, Arteta will be pleased for the squad depth Smith Rowe affords him. The Arsenal boss has focused on finding two players for every position in his team over the last two years and Smith Rowe can play in a number of different positions, whether that’s in central midfielder or in the wide areas.
Smith Rowe, however, might have a decision to make on his future. At 23, he now faces a critical period in his career. He surely needs first team soccer on a regular basis to fulfil the potential he showed as a youngster. If Arsenal can’t give Smith Rowe that, he might have no choice but to move on.