Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown has drawn comparisons between Emile Smith Rowe and Gunners legend Ray Parlour.
Smith Rowe was outstanding in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa last week, and Keown claims the 21-year-old’s ability to defend, as well as attack, is similar to how the Arsenal Invincible used to play:
“The way Smith Rowe was tucking into midfield against Villa reminded me of Ray Parlour and the defensive shifts he would put in.”
It’s a big compliment from Keown but Smith Rowe has a long way to go before he matches the achievements of the Romford Pele.
Over the course of 12 years as a Gunner, Parlour racked up 446 appearances, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and the Community Shield on two occasions.
Smith Rowe has already said that he wants to stay at the Emirates for the rest of his career so there is definitely potential for him to emulate Parlour’s success as a player, but we shall see how he progresses in the coming years.
