Matteo Guendouzi is a very important player for Arsenal, reveals Robert Pires

Last season it was Aaron Ramsey that inspired an Arsenal comeback but with the Welshman in Turin, the Gunners needed someone else to step up. And in the second half, inspiration walked on to the field in the form of Matteo Guendouzi, who was also the youngest man on the field. But that did not seem to matter to the Frenchman with him chasing the ball and harrying the Tottenham players every chance he got.

It would eventually lead to him getting the ball and then subsequently providing the assist for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s equaliser, with the game ending on level terms. Guendouzi’s performance would also see him win the man of the match award with Robert Pires lavishing the 20-year-old with praise after the game.

“Matteo is a warrior. He had a fantastic match. He’s a combative player and what I like about him is that he is consistent with that. He does his job, patrolling defensive midfield, winning the ball, tackling well, and then playing the ball quickly and simply. That’s why he is an important player for Unai and for Arsenal,” Pires told The Athletic.

“I liked the reaction of the team to going 2-0 down, the manner of the response. As an Arsenal player it’s important for them to know where they are. This is an important club. The shirt is important. The history is important. Talking about that helps to build confidence in the players. That’s why for some of the old players, whether it is me or Thierry or someone else, like to give their advice,” concluded the Frenchman.