'Far from his best': Marco Silva has spotted area where Smith Rowe must improve after joining from Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe got his first Fulham goal this weekend after making his move to the club from Arsenal this summer. Smith Rowe was one...
Emile Smith Rowe got his first Fulham goal this weekend after making his move to the club from Arsenal this summer.
Smith Rowe was one of the big transfer stories of this summer and eventually settled on the move to Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers lost their opening game of the season at Man United but saw off Leicester City this weekend, with Smith Rowe getting the opening goal.
Of course, any attacking midfielder wants to get off the mark quickly.
And while Smith Rowe has done just that, his manager Marco Silva has admitted the former Gunner is far from his best.
Marco Silva offers honest Emile Smith Rowe assessment
In quotes provided by Sky Sports, Silva spoke of his delight at Smith Rowe getting a goal but insisted there’s more to come from the midfielder as well.
“It’s always important (to get first goal) when you sign a talent like him, it’s important to have the impact,” Silva commented.
“We signed him not only just for now but for a long time, it was important for him even though he has experience. Last season he didn’t play football, I think it was his first goal in the Premier League in two years as well.
“He settled in the pre-season, it was important to get a little bit more confidence and he scored a good finish. When we sign a player for that position we need them to be decisive, he got the conclusion to finish in the right way.
“He’s far from his best from a physical point of view, he’s going to improve, he’ll adapt more, it was nice to see him be decisive.”
Smith Rowe can be key for Fulham
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Arsenal fans were split on the decision to sell Smith Rowe and over the course of the season, you get the impression he’s going to be a fine signing for the Cottagers.
Alan Shearer was among those to be impressed by Smith Rowe this weekend, while Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has tipped Smith Rowe to be a star at Fulham.
The ball is very much in his court as it stands and as Silva says here, there is even more to come.
If Smith Rowe can hit double figures, and provide a few assists along the way, then Fulham will feel they’ve done superb business.
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