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Emile Smith Rowe: Glenn Hoddle reveals MASSIVE BONUS for Arsenal ace
ARSENAL ace Emile Smith Rowe’s ability to play with both feet is a “massive bonus” in the early stages of his career, claims former England boss Glenn Hoddle.
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Arsenal academy graduate Smith Rowe has been given a place in the first-team for the first time this season.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior debut for the Gunners as a substitute in the 4-2 Europa League win over Vorskla last month.
His first start came a week later when Arsenal beat Brentford in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.
Smith Rowe was handed his full European bow this evening in the trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag.
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I like the fact he looks like he’s comfortable with left and right foot, which is a massive bonus for a young kid
And speaking before the game, Hoddle admits he has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the teenager.
“I like the fact he looks like he’s comfortable with left and right foot, which is a massive bonus for a young kid,” he said on BT Sport.
“Look, he receives this one with his left, prepared to play it and take it with his left.
“I haven’t seen enough of him of course but he’s got a nice frame, a frame that looks as if over the next few years is going to build. He’s got a change of pace.
“It’s the temperament side of it.
“It’s whether he can go in there and produce what he’s done at the development level and at youth level and not get overshadowed and go shallow.
“He’s got to put his chest out and say ‘I can play. I’m as good as you and in the end I’m going to take your shirt off you’.
“That’s the attitude you’ve got to have as a young kid.”
Hoddle’s co-pundit and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown says fans will be happy to see Unai Emery put faith in his youngsters.
“It’s another opportunity to blood players,” Keown said.
“The fans will be delighted to see that the manager wants to invest in youth.
“The academy they work hard and he (Smith Rowe) shows a really good attitude in his play.”
Smith Rowe scored his first senior goal in the second half with a smart finish after being found in space by Alex Iwobi.
He was substituted in the 65th minute and was replaced by Mesut Ozil.