‘Hungry’ summer signing showing progression at Arsenal
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Unai Emery has been impressed by the progression shown by Arsenal’s ‘hungry’ summer signing Matteo Guendouzi and has called for the industrious 19-year-old to continue to showcase his flourishing services on a consistent basis.
Guendouzi joined the Gunners from Ligue 2 outfit FC Lorient and little was known of the teenage midfielder, although having featured in both of the north-Londoners’ opening Premier League fixtures, the English top-flight has been introduced to the youngster’s tireless, studied ethic on the pitch.
A France U20 international, Guendouzi certainly has a vibrant career ahead if he stays focused and grounded in his development, and as Emery is evidently enthused by the starlet’s application, he’s likely to play a predominant part for his new employers one again on Saturday afternoon when they entertain West Ham United at the Emirates.
Speaking to the media (via Evening Standard), Emery revealed his admiration for the driven prospect, who’s slowly morphing into a highly-effective box-to-box protagonist in Arsenal’s dynamic engine room.
“He is improving, he is playing and working every day,” said the former Paris-Saint Germain boss.
“He is hungry – he wants to improve, he wants to learn every day, every match.
“It is a very big, positive surprise with him. Last year he was in Ligue 2 but when the club (Arsenal) spoke with me about him, the club had worked and watched him, we agreed (to sign him).
“When he arrived here – not the first day, which is very difficult – but after two weeks we spoke and said: ‘his performance is a very big surprise’ but also in each training and match we need him to show this progress consistently.”
Arsenal’s clash against the Hammers has been branded a ‘six pointer’ by both sets of supporters, and if Guendouzi strives to fashion threatening opportunities and hassle the opposition like he has previously, Emery’s men will undoubtedly dominate the centre of the park, a department which is pivotal to a team’s prosperity.