ARSENAL outcast Matteo Guendouzi has been described as a ‘great player and great professional’ by Hertha Berlin sporting director Arne Friedrich.
The French midfielder was shipped out on loan to the German club in October after a series of run-ins with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
But he has managed to turn things around and gone on to become on of Hertha’s best players in their Bundesliga season.
And Guendouzi is certainly doing something right in the eyes of Friedrich.
Speaking to The Guardian, the German boss said: “When you talk about Guendouzi and see his skills, you realise that he is a great player.
“I’ve also read that he had problems at Arsenal but here he behaves very well. He puts all of himself on the field. He is a great professional.
“Guendouzi’s situation confirms that we must always understand how to help the players, with a talent like him it is worth it.”
Arteta sent the Frenchman to the Bundesliga following a bust-up over his attitude.
The Gunners boss was less than impressed with Guendouzi’s reaction to a ill-tempered defeat at Brighton, having already marked the midfielder’s card in his strict approach to team discipline.
The 21-year-old has played 21 times in Germany as Hertha look to secure survival in the top-tier.
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But, with the loan move unlikely to be made permanent given Berlin’s lack of finances, Guendouzi hopes to return to North London in the summer.
When asked about his career at Arsenal being over, he told France Football “No, not at all.
“Now, I am focused on my season with Hertha Berlin.
“Next, we will have a sit down with my entourage and people at the club to think and discuss the future.
“I am still an Arsenal player. This summer will be a decisive moment.”
Guendouzi is under contract at Emirates Stadium until 2022.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
