‘Boy with big personality:’ Marseille legend Erik de Meco hails Matteo Guendouzi

Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi seems to have a fan in a Marseille legend since joining the Ligue 1 side in July, on loan from Arsenal.

“For me, the one who symbolizes this aggressiveness and the recruitment of players we need is Matteo Guendouzi,” Erik de Marco said in a recent interview.

“The guy is still owned by Arsenal. He is a player who is a safe bet, who has great potential but who needs to revive (his career). He is a boy who has a big personality, who makes an impression on his team and on the opposing team.

The 22-year-old has put up stellar outings for the French club so far. There has never been a question about his talent, however, it’s his mouth that often lands him in trouble at club level.

De Marco feels like players like Guendouzi breath fresh air into the squad with his aggressive attitude on the field.

“When you watch him, it is he who puts in the most commitment. (Boubacar) Kamara, (Valentin) Rongier are also capable. But the maniac, the watchdog and the one who is able to drag up his teammates, it’s Guendouzi,” the Marseille legend added.

“And it’s important to sign a guy like that because he needs to revive (his career) and his character is perfectly suited to OM and what Jorge Sampaoli wants to do.”