JAMIE CARRAGHER believes Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is the “best player in the Premier League running the ball”.
Smith Rowe stood out during the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Aston Villa, who tried to sign the Gunners’ starlet last summer, at the Emirates.
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The playmaker created Thomas Partey’s first Premier League goal and netted the third to seal an outstanding night for the hosts, who also saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hitting the back of the net.
Carragher was very impressed with Mikel Arteta’s men but saved special praise for the 21-year-old.
The Liverpool legend believes Smith Rowe is a standout in the Premier League and will soon become an essential part of the England squad.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “I thought Arsenal were brilliant, I really did. It was very difficult for Villa to make two or three passes.
“[Alexandre] Lacazette and Aubameyang were brilliant tonight. Even the supporters weren’t sure who the leaders are in this team but they both gave a real leader’s performance tonight.
“Emile Smith Rowe will get England caps, absolutely no doubt. There are so many good young players. He’ll have to bide his time, there are other young players ahead of him right now but I absolutely love that lad.
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“I always want him to do well, you’re urging him on. To watch him in full flow, I’ve said he’s the best player in the Premier League running the ball.
“He’s so exciting, the pace, moving with the ball. He’s a special talent. He can pop up in different positions, he has that ability to play all four positions up top and that’s a real bonus.’
Carragher’s fellow pundit Gary Neville agrees as he described Smith Rowe and his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka as a “breath of fresh air”.
Neville was also impressed with Arsenal’s overall performance against Villa, who got a late goal with Jacob Ramsey.
Neville told Sky Sports: “He’s a breath of fresh air. Him and Saka make you feel joy about football. They still play with that spirit and it’s wonderful to watch.
“It was really important for Arsenal to win after what happened on Monday night. There was some pressure on them and they delivered.
“They did enough, it’s been a good night for them. Arsenal come out of the traps really quickly and they go for it.”
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