‘Next season has to be much better from him’ – Marco Silva reflects on Smith-Rowe’s first season at Fulham following Arsenal move | OneFootball

Marco Silva says Fulham’s record signing Emile Smith-Rowe has a lot of improving to do after a mixed first season at Craven Cottage.

Smith-Rowe left Arsenal for £34 million in the summer and in 26 league games, the Englishman has five goals and two assists, though only two of those goals have come since the turn of the year.

Speaking on what he thinks of the the former Gunners man’s debut season ahead of Smith-Rowe’s reunion with his former club, Fulham boss Silva said: “Some ups and downs. It doesn’t surprise us for a player that wasn’t playing enough football for the last two seasons.

“Of course he had a very good impact in the first few months for us. Very, very good. The first few games of the season were at a very good level. After the second international break he found it a little bit tough. December was a difficult month for him. After that he had some good games, others not so good.

“He needs to find the right consistency in his game to be able to perform at a very good level in a consistent way. This is the main thing for us. I don’t have any doubts about his talent or quality but the Premier League demands so much from you.

“You have to be in very good shape. From a physical point of view you have to be at your top…. This is something we have been working on with Emile. I would love to see him more consistent.”

Smith-Rowe is still only 24, however and Silva also thinks next season could bring the best out of him.

“If he can put everything together with the quality he has, the talent he has with the physical part of the game, the physical demands and intensity the Premier League demands from him, I really believe we will see much more consistency from him,” he said.

“When Emile was in his best moment, he was in the best shape possible…. He’s working hard to get into the best shape he can…. Next season has to be much better from him.”