Guendouzi is one of the biggest young midfield talents in the world. People are quick to forget 2 years back he was in Ligue 2. On numerous occasions under Unai, he was the one taking initiative and carrying us. Things to learn? For sure, but he's going to be a terrific player.

His body balance and shape while receiving the ball is perfect, allowing him to turn quickly out of tight situations. Always has his head up. Great energy levels and winners mentality. Has superb vision and can drive forward with the ball with great intensity.

I am not comparing Guendouzi with a young Cesc Fabregas, but I felt a point Cesc made in the arseblog podcast is pertinent - He said that when he was young, he made lot of mistakes on the pitch which weren't as evident because of the quality of players he had around him.

Guendouzi does have the tendency to forget about his position sometimes and get sucked in by the opposition towards the ball, which can leave huge spaces, but this is also a result of us not having enough quality and sometimes Matteo tries doing too much.

This is also the result of how our midfield is structured and the work rate of players in front of him. If we signed an attacking midfielder who presses with real intensity from the front, that would allow Guendouzi to focus on maintaining his position and keep things simple.

If he improves positionally using this break to analyze and reflect + pre-season, he can even end up at base of midfield. He's already shown this season he can play in a solid box to box role. That versatility between #6 and #8 would be so useful. We have a gem. End of thread.