Arsenal: Emile Smith Rowe in a familiar situation as Reiss Nelson

Emile Smith Rowe is having an exceptional preseason but his preseason form is reminiscent of another young Arsenal player of last years preseason.

This years Arsenal preseason has produced a young, talented and hardworking 17-year-old who is set to break out into the first team in the form of Emile Smith Rowe, all sound a little too familiar? You’d be excused for thinking it was Reiss Nelson.

Emile Smith Rowe is the name on every Arsenal’s fans lips. The youngster recently turned 18 and before his birthday he had the pleasure of scoring for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid. Whilst the player is a breath of fresh air and showing great promise, his case is very similar to that of Reiss Nelson’s last year.

Reiss Nelson was also 17 when he featured in last years preseason games and stunned the Gunner faithfuls with his silky smooth footwork and his natural talent on the ball. His preseason features earned him some game time during the season, mostly playing in the Europa League but also receiving his first start in the Premier League. Whilst the young winger impressed on occasions, after a couple handfuls of appearances in all competitions, he failed to score a goal or register an assist.

As an up and coming 18-year-old, its excusable. He isn’t expected to be scoring and assisting regularly, in fact progression and improvement is what is expected from him.  Whilst he also scored his first goal during this years preseason, Emile Smith Rowe has taken the lime light away from Nelson.

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With Arsenal again competing in the Europa League it’s Smith Rowe that people would be urging the manager to start as apposed to Reiss Nelson . This is because many are excited by the youngster and want to see more of him and his contribution within the first team, just like they did with Nelson last season.

Arsene Wenger gave significant opportunities to Reiss Nelson last season and Emile Smith Rowe is hoping that Unai Emery does the same for him. And while Nelson did not have a bad season last year by any means, Emile should be aiming to achieve more than his academy graduate teammate Nelson did in his first ear considering he gets the promotion.

Whether it be to contribute through, goals, assists, or playing well and becoming a regular feature of the starting line up, Smith Rowe should grasp every opportunity and take it head on. Hopefully the youngster will play without fear and be able to express his talent without being restricted.

Both Nelson and Smith Rowe are very exciting players for the club, the icing on the cake would be that if both players are to become regular teammates and form a successful partnership.