Jamie Redknapp has warned Emile Smith Rowe that he will need to rise up to the challenge of competing with Arsenal's new signing Martin Odegaard.
Smith Rowe has been one of the standout performers for the Gunners who have taken 16 points out of a possible 18 since the 20-year-old broke into the team against Chelsea on Boxing Day.
Odegaard's arrival on loan from Real Madrid will provide more competition as he plays in a similar role to the Arsenal academy graduate.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's clash with Manchester United on Saturday, Sky Sports pundit Redknapp said Smith Rowe will face a lot of pressure from team-mates aiming to take his starting position.
He told the Pitch to Post Preview Podcast: 'Emile Smith Rowe has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark.
'I remember at Liverpool when Graeme Souness gave myself, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler our debuts we had no fear. The senior players were more nervous, a bit consumed by fear.
'I felt that as I got older but when you're a young player you don't care, you just want to play.
'For Emile Smith Rowe this is the dream. He's an academy boy and you can see he's doing a great job, the fans love him.
'I hope with Odegaard coming into the club, that doesn't stop him being instrumental in what they're doing.
'The hardest thing for him will be - and I'm sure he knows this - where he plays is a position where you're always looking for the best in the world or players in that position to be a No 10 or wide man. He's competing with some of the best.
'So he's going to have to always maintain these standards he's producing right now.
'But I've been so impressed with him, I love his work ethic, I love the way he runs with the ball, he's been a breath of fresh air for this team, exactly when they needed it.'
Smith Rowe has been a regular in the Arsenal line-up since the 3-1 victory over Chelsea, providing three assists.
Odegaard meanwhile arrives after falling down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane in the Spanish capital and seeing his game-time severely restricted, despite an impressive spell on loan with Real Sociedad last season.
With Sociedad, Odegaard became one of the most creative players in La Liga and played a significant role in the team qualifying for the Europa League.
