The Arsenal academy product is gradually establishing himself as one of the best players at the Emirates Stadium despite results not always going in the favour of the Gunners.
The Englishman has replaced Mesut Ozil as the North Londoners number ten and is living up to his hype.
Neville believes Smith Rowe is ‘more clinical’ than when Ronaldo was at the same age.
This comes after the 21-year-old’s mesmeric performance in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa last Friday.
Smith Rowe assisted Thomas Partey’s first goal for Arsenal before sealing the emphatic victory later in the game.
“Cristiano was the first person I ever heard to say he undoubtedly wanted to be the best player in the world,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“It’s quite unusual to hear a player [say that] because everybody talks about the team and the collective. To hear Mo Salah say it is refreshing. I think you can say these things when you are delivering, and these two have delivered now consistently.
“Ronaldo now for 10, 15 years and Mo Salah for five, six years, and beyond. They are absolutely deadly. They are ruthless and clinical.
“Everything that Smith Rowe [wants to be], he’s a beautiful footballer Smith Rowe, and he’s got a long way to go in his career. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t as clinical and ruthless at that age.
“But that’s where he has got to get to. To the point whereby every single game, they want to be the best. They want to score the winner. They believe they are going to score the winner. Confidence is unbelievable.’”
