Mislintat was brought as head of recruitment last season. His signings has made an impact this season but according to him, this player was crucial signing for the club.
Sven Mislintat even though he’s not playing but he is still adored by Arsenal fans. Nicknamed as Blackeye, the former Borussia Dortmund scouting coach has made big decisions. He recommended the club to sign the likes of Leno, Sokratis and Torriera. However, he believes this player’s arrival was important for the club.
Arsenal’s head of recruitment Sven Mislintat says the signing of Matteo Guendouzi was crucial to maintaining the club’s reputation for developing young players. 19-year-old Guendouzi joined from French Ligue 2 side Lorient this summer and has quickly established himself as a regular first-team squad member. Guendouzi has made 19 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. He also scored his first goal in the Europa League win over Qarabag. His performances earned his first call-up to the France U21 squad. There was some irony in the fact that one of the first signings of the post-Arsene Wenger era was a teenage Frenchman. However, Mislintat insists it was important to prove that, despite a change of manager, the club’s philosophy remained the same.
He told to Die Zeit, “It was an important transfer for us because we wanted to show the world that we were still the old Arsenal which gives opportunities to young players. I saw him when Lorient were still in the French first division. I like Lorient, they always produce interesting players.“ Mislintat also said he was impressed by Guendouzi’s hair. He said, “Matteo stood out with his long hair and his personality.” Guendouzi’s energy and pressing skill has impressed Unai Emery. The Arsenal manager prefers him over the likes of Ainsley Maitland Niles and Mohammed Elneny.
Author’s take:
There’s no doubt over Mislintat’s hunt for quality players. He has a proven history of discovering young gems. The likes of Ousmane Dembele, Weigl and Guendouzi are all his discoveries. It’s his scouting work and recommendation that helped Arsenal transformed in post-Wenger era. All the players signed under him have been brilliant on field for the North London this season.
