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5 young Arsenal players that will excel in 2019

By Kian Long

KIEV, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 29: Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock of Arsenal line up before the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Vorskla Poltava and Arsenal at Oleksiy Butovsky Vorskla Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Poltava, Ukraine. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
KIEV, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 29: Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock of Arsenal line up before the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Vorskla Poltava and Arsenal at Oleksiy Butovsky Vorskla Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Poltava, Ukraine. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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KIEV, UKRAINE – NOVEMBER 29: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal takes on Vadym Sapai of Vorskla during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Vorskla Poltava and Arsenal at Oleksiy Butovsky Vorskla Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Poltava, Ukraine. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
KIEV, UKRAINE – NOVEMBER 29: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal takes on Vadym Sapai of Vorskla during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Vorskla Poltava and Arsenal at Oleksiy Butovsky Vorskla Stadium on November 29, 2018 in Poltava, Ukraine. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

2. Emile Smith Rowe (18 years old)

The Englishman has been one of the breakout stars of the season. He has already scored three goals this season in his six appearances. That’s two more than a particular Chilean…

Jokes aside, Smith Rowe has been positive in possession. He likes to drive forward with the ball at his feet with purpose. This encourages his teammates, particular the fellow youngsters, to do the same. His fresh enthusiasm and ability to get on the scoresheet has made him a real favourite among the Arsenal faithful.

If there’s one player that doesn’t deserve to lose their place in the knockout stage, it’s Smith Rowe. He has been Arsenal’s standout performer throughout the group stage, and that’s without even taking his age into consideration.

He first burst onto the scene in pre-season. During Arsenal’s pre-season match against Atletico Madrid, it was the Englishman that scored to level things up. Moreover, it was a rocket of a shot from distance which gave his side a chance. Unai Emery gave him even more chances as the season progressed and he’s made the most of them.

I believe that 2019 will only be more fruitful for Smith Rowe. If Arsenal can make real progress in the Europa League, then there’s no reason why the Englishman can’t become more recognised. That’s providing he is given the opportunities, of course. He just needs to keep his head down in training and he will succeed.

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