Arsenal legend Robert Pires has praised midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for his display in the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

The 20-year-old was arguably the Gunners’ best player as the London club came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against their fierce rivals. Pires believes his fellow countryman’s strong mentality and ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck was particularly impressive:

“Matteo is a warrior. He had a fantastic match. He’s a combative player and what I like about him is that he is consistent with that. He does his job, patrolling defensive midfield, winning the ball, tackling well, and then playing the ball quickly and simply.

“That’s why he is an important player for Unai and for Arsenal. I liked the reaction of the team to going 2-0 down, the manner of the response.”

It wasn’t only his tackling that impressed in the derby, though, as he played a sublime pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Arsenal’s equaliser in the second half.

Guendouzi was rewarded for his display with a call up to France’s senior side after Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba withdrew from the squad due to injury.

Despite his young age, the Frenchman has put in a number of impressive displays for the Gunners with manager Unai Emery having started him in all four Premier League games so far this campaign.