Redknapp warns Emile Smith Rowe over ‘best in the world’ Arsenal competition

Emile Smith Rowe has been looking superb of late, but Jamie Redknapp believes he will face difficulty in the future.

Arsenal wonderkid Smith Rowe has been thrust into the team in recent weeks and has looked impressive.

He's clocked three assists from his seven Premier League starts, and has successfully taken Mesut Ozil’s place in the side.

The 20-year-old now has competition for his place, however, after the Gunners loaned Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.

The Norwegian wonderkid replaced Smith Rowe in the late stages against Manchester United on Saturday evening, and Redknapp believes that’s something he might have to get used to.

Speaking to the Pitch to Post Preview Podcast, Redknapp explained that due to the nature of his position as a number ten, he’ll always be compared with players who are among the best in the world.

"The main catalyst has been the young players," said Redknapp of Arsenal’s improvement in form.

"Emile Smith Rowe has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark.

“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."

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