EMILE SMITH WHOA
RIO FERDINAND has likened red-hot Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe to Robert Pires and Alexander Hleb amid his incredible run of form.
The Gunners youngster, 21, has been sensational this season under Mikel Arteta.
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The new No10 has scored in each of the last three Premier League games, including the on Sunday.
Smith Rowe's impressive start to the season has even earned him his debut England call-up following the withdrawal of Marcus Rashford, James Ward-Prowse, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw.
And now former Manchester United legend Ferdinand has compared his play to club legend Pires and cult icon Hleb ahead of the international break.
Speaking about Arsenal on his , Ferdinand said: "There’s a team, there’s a united team.
"There’s a togetherness that I haven’t seen at Arsenal for a long time.
"There’s nobody doing more right now than Emile Smith Rowe.
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"He reminds me, with more end product it seems right now and I think he’ll go onto levels, his style is a little bit [Alexander] Hleb.
"He plays low, socks similar, the way he moves and manipulates the ball, can keep people off balance all game.
"He’s got a bit of Hleb about him.
"He’s got a Robert Pires vibe a little bit."
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Smith Rowe had initially been called up by England's Under-21s - snubbed from senior duty despite his strong form.
After the Watford game, the midfielder remained positive, saying: "It is important I just keep my head down and keep working hard.
"I am happy whoever I get called up for."
But now he will be part of Gareth Southgate's senior squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino as he fights for his first cap.
Smith Rowe joins Arsenal pals Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka in the current Three Lions squad.
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Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal's run of form
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