Emile Smith-Rowe: The Present and the Future

While ESR got sidelined after surgery, Saka and Martinelli developed in an accelerated rate into the best wingers in the league. With Trossard coming in, here are some of the roles that ESR can be used for. But let us profile the player first.

• Number 10, who can play out wide.

•Close control, first touch, dribbling, ball carrying and ball striking.

•Output monster and prolific.

•Direct, combines well too.

•Creative, eye for the final pass.

Freakishly similar to Trossard indeed.

In 21/22, he was among the top 10% am/wingers in the league in terms of goalscoring. He outperformed his npxG in the process. He was in the top 3% in terms of shot/goal. Crazy accuracy and efficiency. Emile is technically secure, and his pass accuracy is one of the very best in the league. In the top 7% in the league in terms of pass completion in 21/22. Really secure on the ball.

For starters, we can use him at our LHS. Xhaka currently plays the advanced #8 role, and he operates at our LHS. He is important for his physical presence as well as defensive solidity, especially in the mid block without the ball.But an output monster like ESR can be a game changer offensively. With elite technical qualities, ball striking, prolificacy and natural creativity, he can create as well as score much better as our 8.The only issue with this Idea is his defensive capability. Emille has mainly played out wide for Arsenal, and so he hasn’t had to develop the skills. It’s important for our 8, we can imagine from the players we keep getting linked with(Rice/Caicedo).

Practically speaking, he can continue playing out wide, both on the right side and the left. He still needs to improve for doing that on a consistent basis, he needs to work on his ball delivery from halfspace and out wide. If he does that, opportunities open up in multiple positions. He can play Trossard’s role, both out wide and as a false 9. He can play as our 10 who’s more direct, like that of KDB. Directness from halfspaces is really useful against low block sides.

ESR still can play a huge role as a utility player. He is an output monster, he is creative, and he is young. Having a player with Trossard’s abilities at his age is a huge asset for us. He can change the outcome, especially when we are chasing games. His directness and output rate could change games for Arsenal against low block oppositions. And once he develops his ball delivery and defensive skills, ESR will once again become one of the most important players for Arsenal.