Arsenal legend Robert Pires has heaped praise on Matteo Guendouzi following the youngster’s start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
The promising midfielder was recruited by the club during the summer transfer window and arrived as something of an unknown quantity.
After impressing in the second tier of French football with Loreint, Guendouzi attracted interest from plenty of prestigious clubs across Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Arsenal secured his services in a £7 million deal and have since seen the player establish himself in the first-team squad of Unai Emery this season.
Pires spoke to i News about how Guendouzi has developed in North London since his move from Ligue 2 and was full of compliments for the 19-year-old. He said:
Matteo, I know him a little bit because he used to play for Lorient in France. Of course, for Arsenal fans, for journalists and for some people he has been a great surprise because nobody knew him when he signed for Arsenal.
But he’s a great player, he’s very talented and he’s very confident. For me, no, it was not a surprise for me. I repeat because I know him. He plays simple, he runs a lot, he’s like a warrior.
I think he’s like Lucas Torreira. For Arsenal, it’s very important to have a player like Matteo Guendouzi. He’s a good player and I think he can make a success with Arsenal. I hope so.
The midfielder will be hoping to continue developing in his maiden campaign in English football, with the festive period of fixtures certain to present him with chances to impress.
