Matteo Guendouzi has spoken out about his relationship with Unai Emery, and says he admires the Arsenal boss for taking a chance on him.
Emery landed the young Frenchman from FC Lorient in the summer as he set about strengthening his midfield ahead of his first season in charge.Arsenal splashed out £7million on 19-year-old Guendouzi, but also parted with £22million on the tried and tested 22-year-old Lucas Torreria.
Many expected the Uruguay international to muscle into the first team, while Guendouzi would be forced to bide his time playing with the reserves. But it’s been Guendouzi who has carved out himself a place in the first team, while Torreria has been utilised sparingly by his new boss.
Discussing his relationship with Emery, the young Frenchman said: “He’s shown plenty of confidence in me since I arrived here.
“Not any coach would throw a 19-year-old youngster into Premier League action, particularly at a club like Arsenal. “I’m very grateful to him for that.
He’s making me work hard and has already helped me improve considerably since I arrived. I could feel that even in the first few training sessions over my first few weeks and months.
The youngster started Arsenal’s first game of the season against Manchester City and the second against London rivals Chelsea but has since seen first team action hard to come by with the emergence of yet another summer signing Lucas Torreira.