Saka, Smith Rowe Arsenal’s best players this season – Kanu

FORMER Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has named two young players who should be considered as Arsenal’s standout stars of the season.

Kanu played for Arsenal between 1999 and 2004 and was a member of the ‘Invincibles’ squad that won the club’s last Premier League title unbeaten 17 years ago.

“There are two names which spring to mind as far as Arsenal’s player of the season goes; Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka,” Kanu told Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Arsenal versus Everton.

“They offer the team so much through their versatility. Saka can play in so many positions, and when he’s not playing, you can see the side struggles without him.

“Smith-Rowe is a very good player. He can open up games and Arsenal definitely need him to play more in the next few years.

“These two, for me, have been the best players for Arsenal this season – they can’t afford for either of those two players to get injured.”

Saka, 19, who has Nigerian parents but plays for England, has excelled for the Gunners in a number of positions, while Smith Rowe, 20, has created more chances per match this season than any Arsenal player.

“The way Bukayo Saka is playing, he’s so good that there’s always a worry a big club might come in for him in the summer,” the 1996 Olympic gold medallist with Nigeria added.

“Arsenal have to do everything within their power to keep him. He’s very young, and he’s got so many years ahead of him.

“Arsenal have to make sure they keep all of these young players like Saka and Smith-Rowe.”

Despite Arsenal’s struggles in the Premier League this season where they are ninth, Saka and Smith Rowe have emerged as two of England’s best youngsters this season, with the former set to be named in their European Championship squad this summer.