Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe recently impressed on his return to the starting lineup, and it has not been an easy journey for him.
The 23-year-old faces an uncertain future at Arsenal, and the final two months of this season could be his last chance to convince Mikel Arteta not to sell him.
Smith Rowe is a popular figure at the club, and fans were delighted to see him performing well against Luton on Wednesday as he played a part in both goals.
However, this was just his third league start of the season, and having missed the majority of the campaign last year, time is running out for him to regain a regular place in the team.
Smith Rowe’s best season came in 2021-22 as he scored 10 Premier League goals as a first-team regular, but it has now emerged that even at that point, Arsenal did have a concern over his physicality.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe from his parents to tattoo
Arsenal had concern over Emile Smith Rowe’s physicality
Speaking on Inside Arsenal on YouTube, journalist James Benge revealed that those within the club were concerned that Smith Rowe was not physical enough to play his midfield role, even when he was playing well.
“I think it was always the thing that hovered over Arteta before Smith Rowe’s injury, and why Smith Rowe, even though he was then a regular starter – remember there was a time when Martin Odegaard couldn’t get in the 11 so that Arteta could fit Smith Rowe in – but what I always heard was: a bit lightweight, that was the concern,” he explained.
“Of course he was a kid, if anyone’s allowed to be lightweight, it’s someone that’s not yet grown into their body, and I think there have been occasions where he’s come back for a couple of games and maybe actually looked a little too bulky.
“I feel like right now, he looked, and he was playing like he had the right body type for what was asked of him.”
What is Emile Smith Rowe’s best position?
Smith Rowe has lined up both as a left winger, as well as an advanced central midfielder, and he started Wednesday’s game in midfield with Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey.
This midfield trio did not work with great success when tried in 2021, but with Oleksandr Zinchenko also tucking in, all three performed well against Luton.
The Englishman may not have the speed right now to play on the left wing instead of Gabriel Martinelli, and it will be interesting to see him potentially line up alongside Declan Rice in the middle if given a chance.
His performance against Luton saw him play with a lot more intensity, and his defensive work rate proved invaluable, perhaps showing that he is now ready to settle into a more complete midfield role.