Özil names Guendouzi the most underrated player he has played with

Arsenal star Mesut Özil has named former teammate and France U21 captain Matteo Guendouzi as the most underrated player he has played with.

Özil said this during a Q&A session “#AskMesut” on Twitter: “❤️@MatteoGuendouzi – I’m sure he will be a big football player one day!”

Guendouzi who is on loan at Hertha Berlin quoted the tweet and responded: “Thank you my bro @MesutOzil1088 ❤️ You know how much these words are important for me especially from you, one of the best player in the world and the best I played with.”

Guendouzi was brought to Arsenal by former boss Unai Emery and formed a friendship on and off the pitch with Özil.

Guendouzi’s last game for Arsenal was the first game back after the lockdown, a 2-1 loss to Brighton. He allegedly insulted compatriot Neal Maupay after he injured goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

It was reported he ran into trouble with manager Mikel Arteta after failing to apologise for the incident and another training pitch incident, he was then banished from the team and eventually loaned out to Hertha Berlin.

Özil has been left out of Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads and Arsenal’s highest paid player watches on weekly, a decision Arteta said is for football reasons.

Özil and Guendouzi maintained their close relationship despite being apart. Özil wished Guendouzi well for his loan in Germany and Guendouzi responded.