Arsenal vs Huddersfield: 5 key players as tug of war continues

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal applauds after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal applauds after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi
(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

2. Matteo Guendouzi

Every time he plays, he gets better, and he shows us new ways that he can be a deadly member of this starting squad. His passing is improving, his dribbling is improving, his ball control – which was a major concern – has become a strength.

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It’s clear that he is a favorite of Unai Emery, who gave him countless chances in the starting XI, but now that he is earning his stay more than just needing it, he has proven to be pretty much impossible to sit. He was the conductor against Manchester City (for the second time) and continues to step up in big matches.

Seeing as how all he does is improve, Huddersfield seems like a slam dunk for him. It will be interesting, if the midfield three is restored (which it should be) how he teams up with Granit Xhaka, the other conductor in the midfield, but if played correctly, they can be each other’s outlets and come to trust each other, which will only end up helping both of them.

It’s always fun to talk about the future of this kid, but the present is pretty damn exciting too. I’m just waiting for him to score a screamer from outside the box.

Finally, No. 1.