Emmanuel Petit thinks Guendouzi doesn’t want to become like Ozil

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Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has lavished praise on Gunners youngster Matteo Guendouzi, branding him ‘a special talent’.

The summer signing from Lorient has been hugely impressive in his debut season, and has made the second-most number of appearances of any Arsenal player so far under Unai Emery.

The 19-year-old has drawn praise for his fearless approach and technical qualities in central midfield.

He certainly seems to be well on his way to becoming a regular first-team starter for Arsenal, and who knows how good he could be in a few years time.

Certainly, Petit thinks Guendouzi is the real deal. He told football.london: “Matteo reminds me of the days back at the start of my career. The energy on the pitch the desire, the anger. He wants to show to everyone that he is worth it.

“Guendouzi is already like the engine of the team, always running, always trying to get the ball back. He’s a fighter, a special talent.”

‘The Ozil comparison’

Petit heaped praised on the youngster, but also appeared to take a dig at Mesut Ozil, who has been criticised for his poor record with illness.

Ozil was absent for the Gunners again last weekend with a bug, forcing him to miss the 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

Petit, who represented the Gunners from 1997-2000, added: “I make a comparison with Mesut Ozil. I’m sure Guendouzi has huge respect for Ozil and what he did in his career, he’s a World Champion.

“But I’m pretty sure that somewhere in his mind he is thinking I don’t want to be like him at the end of my career.”

Guendouzi will certainly be hoping he can avoid becoming illness and injury prone, as Ozil himself probably wishes.

The former Real Madrid man has made just 14 Premier League appearances so far this term, with Guendouzi far more preferred and even trusted by Emery.