Mikel Arteta makes Emile Smith Rowe feelings crystal clear ahead of Arsenal's clash vs Brighton

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Emile Smith Rowe as the Arsenal youngster aims to finish the season as strongly as possible.

The Gunners No.10 was handed a rare start against Luton Town on Wednesday and impressed many with his performance. The 23-year-old has had to be patient this campaign, with the Hale Ender making just 17 appearances in all competitions.

Smith Rowe is yet to be given a real run in the team but Arteta has described the Englishman as a «hell of a player». Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, Arteta said: “I look at him and what happened in the last two or three seasons.

“Take all that. It’s the best thing that could have happened for him in his career, if you use it the right way now.

“Don’t look back and say ‘if’. If this happened, use it. ‘It was the best thing that could have happened. I had great moments, I had difficult moments – now I know what I want and it’s going to make me a much better player’. It’s a hell of a player that we have when he is fit and he’s playing at that level.”

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Asked if Smith Rowe was happy starting against Luton, Arteta admitted: «You could see that. I think a good example is Reiss [Nelson] as well.

»The previous game he was not in the squad and the next game he’s ready to start. If someone doesn't react the way he did after then you're not ready to perform. I'm really pleased with that reaction from him and the rest of the team. And then Emile was really strong in the game."

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