Emile Smith Rowe challenged to rise to Martin Odegaard challenge

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 January 2021

Martin Odegaard's arrival at Arsenal can help get even more out of Emile Smith Rowe, according to former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

Jamie Redknapp has urged Emile Smith Rowe to step up and hold down a place in Arsenal's starting lineup following the arrival of Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners strengthened their midfield ranks this week with the loan signing of former teen sensation Odegaard from Real Madrid.

That means increased competition for a starting spot for Smith Rowe, who has been one of Arsenal's best players during their six-match unbeaten Premier League run.

However, Redknapp believes that Smith Rowe can become an even better player, pointing to his own experience at star-studded Liverpool.

"He has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark," he told the Pitch to Post Preview Podcast. "I remember at Liverpool when Graeme Souness gave myself, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler our debuts we had no fear. The senior players were more nervous, a bit consumed by fear.

"I felt that as I got older but when you're a young player you don't care, you just want to play. For Emile Smith Rowe this is the dream. He's an academy boy and you can see he's doing a great job, the fans love him.

"I hope with Odegaard coming into the club, that doesn't stop him being instrumental in what they're doing. The hardest thing for him will be - and I'm sure he knows this - where he plays is a position where you're always looking for the best in the world or players in that position to be a No 10 or wide man. He's competing with some of the best.

"So he's going to have to always maintain these standards he's producing right now. But I've been so impressed with him, I love his work ethic, I love the way he runs with the ball, he's been a breath of fresh air for this team, exactly when they needed it."

Smith Rowe has five assists and one goal in nine Premier League and Europa League outings this term.