Arsenal

Martin Keown compares Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe to Cristiano Ronaldo

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 28 February 2021

Arsenal legend Martin Keown boldly predicts that Emile Smith Rowe could be as good as five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the future.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has boldly claimed that Emile Smith Rowe could go on to be as good as five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 20-year-old playmaker had to be forced off with a muscular injury in the first half of Sunday's 3-1 win over Leicester City, but he has made great strides in the Arsenal setup over the past couple of months.

Smith Rowe boasts two goals and six assists across all competitions this term - setting up his teammates in the Premier League four times - and Keown has not been afraid to sing the youngster's praises.

As Smith Rowe trudged off the pitch on Sunday, it was pointed out that his replacement - Martin Odegaard - made his Real Madrid debut as a substitute for the illustrious Ronaldo.

This comment prompted Arsenal legend Keown to compare Arsenal's young playmaker to Ronaldo, saying: "Isn't that good yet, but he might be in the future."

It remains to be seen how serious Smith Rowe's injury is, and if the midfielder will be able to play a part in Saturday's trip to Burnley in the Premier League.