Arsenal: Matteo Guendouzi is a star

Matteo Guendouzi was Arsenal’s best player in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. The 19-year-old midfielder is a true star, a cornerstone around which to build.

An away trip to Manchester City is the toughest game in the Premier League season. It was never going to be an easy task for an Arsenal team dreadfully undermanned in defensive positions. And so it proved, falling rather comprehensively in a 3-1 defeat.

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But there was one player who stood out above all else in an embattled, gritty, hardened midfield display. 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi, thrust into the central midfield alongside Lucas Torreira, was at his most unfurling, and it was wonderful to watch.

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Up against the brilliant duo of David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, the Frenchman acquitted himself excellently. He was industrious, determined, calm and composed on the ball when dealing with the incessant City pressure, and the shining light in an Arsenal team that lacked positives. He completed all 22 of his pass attempts in a first half in which there were few passing options, flung himself into challenges, and ruffled the feathers of the usually tranquil de Bruyne.

This was a defining showing from the blaze-haired youngster. He played with a commitment that has rarely been seen in the red of Arsenal. Free of pressure and expectation, he instilled a joy in those watching with the same carefree, reckless, but thoroughly invested style with which he performed. It was wild. It was unruly. But it was real, authentic. There is no plastic side to Guendouzi.

As Unai Emery looks to build his era in north London, it is players like Guendouzi that he will be looking to build around. He and his midfield partner are the perfect cornerstones upon which to found his team. They proved it here.

City were obviously the better team. They might well be the best in the world. But Guendouzi especially held his own. He did not shy away from the challenge. He stood up to de Bruyne, he confronted Silva, he did not bow to their quality, the atmosphere, the pressure of the match. He stood up to be counted and flourished as a result.

Guendouzi is a star. And he is only 19 years of age. Yes, he has a lot to learn. His positioning is loose at times and can be exploited. His hair-on-fire style will get him into trouble at times. He is sometimes over-eager to dive into tackles. His propensity to scrap and fight can veer the wrong side of the line.

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But for all of these warts, he is passionate, fiery, committed and a future star. Emery, I am sure, he is very happy to have him.

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