Unai Emery has lauded Matteo Guendouzi after his fine display in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
The 20-year-old was ferocious in midfield and set-up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score the equaliser with an excellent through ball.
"He's very young but he's progressing," Emery said. "Last year was amazing for his progress, taking confidence, taking rhythm and knowing the Premier League. This year he's starting to give us one step more tactically with the ball.
"He gives us a lot of control and also the combinations for us mean he's very important in the team. He's one of the key players to do that.
"He's working to get a balance defensively and also working on his body to get stronger in the situations needed in the Premier League. Today was one step more but he's very demanding of himself and we're progressing with him.
"When he's playing like today, I prefer to have the balance. When he's playing maybe a match with less performance, I want to help him to achieve the next step going ahead."
