The Englishman was a fan favourite at the Emirates. He became a regular under Mikel Arteta after bursting onto the scene in a game against Chelsea on Boxing Day in 2020.
Injuries really troubled Smith Rowe in the final two years of his Arsenal career. He barely played for 24 months, and that brought an end to his time at the club.
The 24-year-old is at Fulham now, but he still sees one Arsenal player as an ‘inspiration’.
Emile Smith Rowe explains how Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is different on and off the pitch
Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe shared a very special relationship at Arsenal.
The two England internationals came through the ranks together at Hale End. They played for the Gunners’ youth sides and then became key members of the first team.
Saka and Smith Rowe carried Arsenal out of the difficult position they were in back in Arteta’s first full season at the club. They laid the foundations that has turned the club into title contenders today.
Smith Rowe left but Saka is still at Arsenal. He is their best player, and his performances for the Gunners have been sensational.
In an interview on Sky Sports, Smith Rowe was asked to describe Saka using one word.
He said: “Starboy! Pretty easy to be fair, man. I’ve known him for so long, seeing how far he has come…
“An amazing person, everyone will tell you, he’s one of the nicest guys in football. But, as soon as he gets on the pitch, he just turns into an animal.
“It’s just amazing to see. I’m so happy for him. He deserves everything. The stats don’t lie. At the end of the day, it’s the mentality he has as well – always wants to win, always wants to work hard, always wants to improve.
“He’s a real inspiration.”
The 23-year-old has been in a side that has had a number of injury issues. Things have not been ideal at all for the Gunners, but Saka has still been firing.
Games Goals Assists Minutes per goal/assist
Bukayo Saka 23 9 13 82
Bukayo Saka’s stats in 2024/25 (correct as of 20/12/2024)
Saka has directly contributed to 22 goals in 23 appearances this season. That’s a goal or an assist every 82 minutes, which is a stunning return.
Arsenal have a lot of work to do if they want to win the Premier League title this season. But, if Saka continues to perform at the same level, they have every chance.
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