Hector Bellerin backs Emile Smith Rowe to emulate his route from academy to Arsenal first team

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Joe Krishnan26 July 2018

Hector Bellerin has tipped Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe for a bright future after the youngster scored in the 3-1 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The 17-year-old was making his senior debut for the Gunners and wowed the crowd in Singapore with a stunning strike from the edge of the area.

Having come through the academy system himself, Bellerin believes that the talented midfielder has all the necessary attributes to succeed.

"It was a great goal", he told the club's official website. "I’ve been training with him for a long time now and he’s a bright young player.

"He has the right attitude, the right conditions to make it and it’s all about him keeping his head in the games, train the way he’s playing. I’m sure he’ll get his chance."

Unai Emery was keen to blood some of the club's younger talent and the 22-year-old insists having academy players compete for first-team places can only benefit Arsenal.

"I think everyone, not just me… there are players in all positions, with a lot of quality and loads of hunger", he added.

"Now, with the new coach [Unai Emery], they have a chance to impress him. Obviously, I come from the academy, I did it in the same way and I’m really happy that our club pushes these players."

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