Jamie Carragher has suggested that Emile Smith Rowe is pace on the ball is second to none in the Premier League.
The Hale End graduate turned in another impressive showing for the Gunners in their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa.
He netted the third goal of the game, polishing off a swift breakaway – albeit his final shot being deflected into the net beyond the despairing grasp of Emi Martinez.
Carragher was full of praise for the 21-year-old following his display and picked out his running with the ball as the most dangerous weapon within the youngster’s arsenal.
Talking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “I mentioned his lack of goals at this moment and that’s the only thing he needs in his game. He’s been outstanding again, certainly that first-half.
“When he gets on his bike you’re not catching him. He’s as quick with the ball as he is without it. He gets a little bit of fortune no doubt, that deflection off Mings. He’s fantastic when he runs with the ball, he’s never out of control and he gets that little bit of luck we all need at times.
When asked about his own assessment of his competence on the ball, Smith Rowe agreed with Carragher and revealed that it was something that he had been working on throughout his fledgling career.
He said: “Growing up it’s always been a big part of my game trying to dribble forward and I think I’m faster with the ball when dribbling.
“I try and look up as quickly as possible and know my pass before I get the ball sometimes and I think that’s important playing in this team. I’m really happy.”