Gary Neville names the young Arsenal player who looks like a ‘leader’ and ‘big character’

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Arsenal may have had the worst possible return to Premier League action but there was optimism with regards to Gunners youngster Matteo Guendouzi, who was described by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville as a “big character” and a “leader”.

The Gunners’ return to top-flight action away at Manchester City on Wednesday night didn’t go to plan as they were beaten 3-0 in a game littered with errors from Mikel Arteta’s side.

David Luiz, who came on in the 24th minute for the injured Pablo Mari, failed to clear the ball just before half time, which enabled Raheem Sterling to open the scoring.

The Brazilian then conceded a penalty and was sent off for pulling Riyad Mahrez back, with Kevin De Bruyne duly slotting in for City’s second.

Phil Foden then made it three in injury time as the reigning Premier League champions enjoyed a bright return to proceedings at the expense of the Gunners.

However, Neville was left impressed by Guendouzi, telling Sky Sports during matchday coverage  (17/06, 20:45): “I have to say, from the moment that he came into the team, Guendouzi, he’s looked like a big character and a leader.

“He gets on the ball all the time, shows great courage to play and he’s always demanding from his teammates.”

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Guendouzi was a somewhat unknown addition when he arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2018 from French club Lorient for a reported £7million plus bonuses (Goal.com).

However, the 21-year-old quickly worked his way into Gunners first-team contention, and has made 81 senior appearances to date, including 33 in all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Guendouzi was dropped by Mikel Arteta back in February, leading to questions about his future, and The Telegraph even claimed that Guendouzi had a bust-up with his manager, though given his starting berth, this looks to have been resolved.

And with Arsenal in the doldrums at present, it’s good to see one positive in terms of a potential new leader coming through the ranks, as noted by Neville.