Sport
Emile Smith Rowe has lost time to make up for. There was a point not so long ago when he was widely seen as a key part of Arsenal’s future. Over time, though, the attacking midfielder fell out of Mikel Arteta’s plans. Injuries didn’t help. Now, Smith Rowe is at Fulham after completing a £27m transfer and Craven Cottage could be the perfect place for him to finally fulfil his potential.
Smith Rowe was one of the first players to truly embrace Arteta’s methods and ideas as Arsenal manager. His form during the 2021/22 season gave the impression of someone who would be at the Emirates Stadium for a long time to come. Indeed, Smith Rowe’s record of 10 goals in 33 Premier League games that season was impressive.
A series of injuries, however, halted Smith Rowe’s momentum. He played just 12 league games in 2022/23 as he struggled to merely make it on to the pitch. By the time Smith Rowe was fit again, Arsenal under Arteta had changed. The Gunners were genuine Premier League title challengers and the attacking midfielder had been pushed to the periphery.
Arsenal supporters will never know how things might have been different had Smith Rowe not suffered such bad luck with injury at such a crucial point of their team’s development under Arteta. Maybe he would still be a first team figure in red and white. As it is, though, Smith Rowe is taking on a new challenge across London.
At Fulham, Smith Rowe will be a difference-maker. Marco Silva will build around him. He will be given the freedom to get into the box and finish opportunities, like he did on his debut for his new team – Smith Rowe converted a diving header just seven minutes after coming on in a friendly against Sevilla on Monday.
Versatility has always been part of Smith Rowe’s game with the 24-year-old capable of playing as a left winger and a number 10 in behind a central striker. He can also operate in a deeper midfield role due to his technical ability on the ball. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Smith Rowe’s movement could make him a ‘False Nine’ option for Fulham.
“I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates,” said Smith Rowe upon joining the Cottagers. “Listening to the project, speaking to the manager [Marco Silva], and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”
According to recent reports, Smith Rowe could be joined at Craven Cottage by Scott McTominay who has been the subject of more than one bid from Fulham. This points to Silva adopting a system featuring dual number 10s with Smith Rowe and McTominay deployed close to the opposition penalty box, should a deal for the latter be completed.
Under Silva, Fulham have become an established Premier League team. Previously known for bouncing between the top flight and the Championship, the Cottagers have finished comfortably in mid-table in each of the last two seasons. The signing of Smith Rowe, however, could be a catalyst for them to firmly push up into the top 10.
For Smith Rowe, the switch to Craven Cottage could be the catalyst for him to become the player so many believed he would be when he broke through at Arsenal. Regardless of whether or not he should have been given more of an opportunity by Arteta over the last two seasons, Smith Rowe can now focus on the future.
