EMILE SMITH ROWE claims forgotten striker Reiss Nelson overshadowed him – before their Arsenal careers went in opposite directions.
Midfielder Smith Rowe has won two England caps, while fellow 22-year-old Nelson has failed to break through on a consistent basis.
ESR is buoyant as Mikel Arteta’s men – with Gabriel Jesus the pick of five summer signings – await Friday’s Premier League opener at Crystal Palace.
In contrast, ex-Hoffenheim and Feyenoord loanee Nelson is likely to will start the season again pondering his transfer window fate.
But asked to name the best same-age player from Arsenal’s academy, Smith Rowe had no doubts.
He told the Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “Reiss Nelson – he was the one in my age group.
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“The things he used to do, you couldn’t believe it sometimes.”
Nelson won 12 England Under-21 caps but has played just 48 times for the Gunners, netting four goals.
ESR, likewise, had two loan spells – at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield – and both Londoners can operate as attacking widemen.
But there the similarities end.
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Smith Rowe’s status at Arsenal has improved year on year, except for a few stumbles last season.
And he’s excited by Arteta’s squad revamp.
He said: “The players that have come back [from loans], I already know how good they are so it’s not a surprise to see how good they are and how well they are doing.
“But from the new players, I think Gabriel Jesus. I didn’t actually realise how sharp he was!
“Obviously I’ve played against him and watched Man City a lot but when you actually see him in training… I’ve been telling my friends that he’s ridiculous.
‘REALLY EXCITED’
“Everyone in the team is really excited for the new season and the fans should be as well I think.”
Smith Rowe was even spot-on with his humble assessment of his youth career – at least according to one of his former coaches.
Andries Jonker, now boss of Dutch second-tier side Telstar, said ESR “never looked the greatest talent in the academy”.
Jonker told Norwegian outlet TV2: “He was always motivated and dedicated… very stable with his performances.
“We definitely thought he could have a career in football, but I don’t think many predicted that he would get in the first team of Arsenal.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
