Who needs him when we have our own de Bruyne?
Yes, it was a brief 19-minute appearance. Yes, the game was a meaningless preseason exhibition. He did not tally any goals, no. Emile Smith Rowe, however, appeared vigilant and vivacious as he dribbled past Manchester United defenders (when they weren’t tackling or kicking at him). He is still recovering from the groin injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021-22 season and the surgery that sidelined him for the majority of the 22-23 season, but early returns from that cameo suggest he is close to returning in a significant manner.
A certain German recruit may have viewed Smith Rowe’s performance against Manchester United with apprehension. In 2021-22, when he tallied 10 goals and added two assists, Smith Rowe did so despite being in pain. I’ve questioned Arteta’s management of Smith Rowe’s reintroduction to the squad after surgery, when it appeared that having Smith Rowe sit on the bench or play just five or ten minutes wouldn’t accomplish much, but the cautious slow-walk might be preferable to Wenger’s preference for letting players decide when they were ready to return, and certainly preferable to Emery’s decision to rush players back, both of which resulted in other injuries or setbacks.
In any case, Smith Rowe was back to his fluid self, dribbling past defenders, finding space between the lines, and surging forward with purpose… If he can expand on this brief appearance, Havertz may have to compete for playing time at other positions, as Smith Rowe may be the superior player.
Consider the breakthrough season he had in 2021-22. Remind yourself that despite his groin injury, he still managed to score 10 goals in the league. What could he do now that he has recovered from his ailment and is back to full fitness? If there is any saving grace for Havertz, it is that Smith Rowe will likely not play full 90s or twice per week for some time. They must share the minutes.This competition should bring out the best in both players, which will benefit the entire team. Smith Rowe is an aggressive, action-oriented assailant. Although he wears the number 10, he performs like a number eight; think of a box-to-box midfielder similar to Aaron Ramsey, but speedier and more adept with the ball at his feet.
I was going to say that Ramsey is a larger, more physical player, but Smith Rowe is taller and (currently) stronger than Ramsey was during his prime. Smith Rowe has not featured at this level since March 2023, when he played 47 minutes against Bournemouth. If you thought he played well against Manchester United on Saturday, wait until September or October, when he’s had time to shake off the lethargy and regain his fitness. After all, it has been several years since he was physically fit.
It’s not a stretch for me to predict that the Smith’s impending season will be a successful one. One might almost say that he has literally and figuratively struck the ground running. A bolder forecast? 15 tallies and 5 assists. What is your forecast for his output? Perhaps I’ll offer a £25 Arsenal Direct gift card for the most accurate prediction…
Who needs him when we have our own de Bruyne?