Mikel Arteta may have inadvertently hinted at Emile Smith Rowe's best position during Arsenal's match against Nurnberg on Friday afternoon.
The north London outfit have had a busy start to the summer transfer window, bringing in American goalkeeper Matt Turner, Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira as well as Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos. Turner, Jesus and Marquinhos all made their debuts for the Gunners on Friday as Arteta's side defeated German side Nurnberg 5-3 in a pre-season friendly at the Max-Morlock-Stadion.
Hale End academy graduate Smith Rowe also started the match, playing as a no.10 ahead of deep-lying midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The England international often played on the left wing for Arsenal last season but Friday's match may hint that manager Arteta considers his best position to be in a more central role.
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However, the young playmaker will have his work cut out for him next term if he wishes to continue operating centrally, considering he will likely be competing with Norway captain Martin Odegaard, as well as the aforementioned Vieira, for a spot in the middle of the park.
"I like to be versatile and I can also play in other positions. But I probably would say I do enjoy playing in the No. 10 position the most," Smith Rowe told The National back in 2020 when asked about his favourite role.
"At Arsenal, I look up to Mesut Ozil a lot. I watch him in training and the movement he has and the little touches he does. For me to train with him every day, I can’t think of anything better."
He added: "Since Kevin De Bruyne joined (Manchester) City, I like to base my game around him. I look up to him so much. I just like the way he plays and everything he does."
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