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Boxing Former Fulham star claims Arsenal need Smith-Rowe more than ‘overrated’ Saka
Things are not rosy for Arsenal at the moment. Mikel Arteta’s men were tipped to challenge again for the Premier League crown but they currently languish in fourth place, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners have struggled in the absence of Martin Ødegaard who was out injured for nearly three months due to an injury sustained while playing for Norway. The Gunners clearly lacked creativity from midfield in the Norwegian’s absence and critics suggested that they should not have sold Emile Smith-Rowe.
Former Fulham and Man Utd star Paul Parker doesn’t share the same opinion but in a chat with us, suggested that the Gunners need Smith-Rowe more than an ‘overrated’ Bukayo Saka.
Smith-Rowe a great player but Arsenal would not be regretting selling him
The Hale End product has been one of Fulham’s strongest performers, scoring three and assisting two in 13 appearances for the Cottagers.
Parker, who played for Fulham for five seasons, praised Smith-Rowe’s ability but believes that Arsenal won’t be regretting selling him as he needed more game time that wasn’t possible at the Emirates Stadium.
“He is a brilliant player, but I don’t think Arsenal are regretting that they sold him. It´s always easy to say that they should have kept him because of the injuries, but he wanted more game time and he couldn’t get that at Arsenal.”
“But I think he is better than Martinelli, even though they are not similar players. He is just so good and the way he runs with the ball and the way the ball never leaves the grass. He is a wonderful player with a great future.”
Arsenal need Smith-Rowe more than overrated Saka
Parker then goes on to give a controversial take, saying that Arsenal, at the moment, need a player like Smith-Rowe more than they need Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.
He further takes aim at Saka, calling him out for looking injured when the Gunners are trailing.
“I think players like him are what Arsenal need more than Martinelli and Saka. Saka is a bit overrated and he always seems injured, especially if Arsenal is behind in a match.”
“Him and Odegaard together would have been a great duo, but again, I think it was the right decision for him to leave, and also for Arsenal at the time, even though things might have changed now.”
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