Theo Walcott has sung the praises of Arsenal’s young stars. The former Arsenal winger went on to compare Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to having the same impact as Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
After Saka's goal against Chelsea, it meant that he and Smith Rowe had both scored 10 goals and more in the Premier League this season. This is just the third time that two players aged 21 or under have this for the same team in the campaign, with Ronaldo and Rooney following suit in the 2006/2007 season.
Both youngsters have been pivotal to Arsenal’s Champions League push this season. Walcott believes that they are a crucial part of Arteta’s rebuilding process. Speaking on Sky Sports, Walcott said that Arsenal have a new generation of players that are coming through including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli. He said they are the next crop of talents that are helping the Gunners in the right direction.
Saka is viewed as one of the club’s most valuable assets. football.london understands that the Gunners have made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
A lot of pressure has been heaped on the shoulders of the Englishman to carry Arsenal through tough situations despite his tender age, and his style is key to Arsenal’s improved fluency in attack. It has also led to him being the most-used player under Arteta since he took control of the team in 2019.
Smith Rowe has also been an important asset to Arsenal in recent seasons. The Hale End star has become the fourth Arsenal player under the age of 21 to score in three straight Premier League games, the previous three being Nicolas Anelka, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Cesc Fabregas.
