Guendouzi has a theory on why Emery is starting him ahead of Torreira for Arsenal

Matteo Guendouzi says his brilliant pre-season form is the reason Unai Emery is starting him ahead of Lucas Torreira for Arsenal.

Emery signed both midfielders in his first transfer window at the club, landing Guendouzi from FC Lorient for £6million and Torreira from Sampdoria for £22million.

Many expected the 22-year-old - who represented Uruguay at the World Cup - would get more game time ahead of 19-year-old Guendouzi.

But Emery has in fact preferred the young Frenchman, starting him in each of Arsenal's opening fixtures, with Torreira taking his place on the bench.

Matteo Guendouzi says his brilliant pre-season form is the reason Unai Emery is starting him ahead of Lucas Torreira for Arsenal.

Emery signed both midfielders in his first transfer window at the club, landing Guendouzi from FC Lorient for £6million and Torreira from Sampdoria for £22million.

Many expected the 22-year-old - who represented Uruguay at the World Cup - would get more game time ahead of 19-year-old Guendouzi.

But Emery has in fact preferred the young Frenchman, starting him in each of Arsenal's opening fixtures, with Torreira taking his place on the bench.

Last season Guendouzi was relatively unknown, playing in the second tier in France.

Now he's a first-team starter in one of the Premier League's Big Six, but the teenager is confident he can continue to deal with the intensity of the top flight.

He added: "It's another world. Arsenal is a historic club, beautiful, world famous, one of the best in Europe with big stars in the team.

"It's hard to tell but it's really another dimension. Everything changed. At the game level, it's much more intense.

"In this English championship, there are great players from everywhere, it's impressive. But I did it fast enough, it's the most important. It's up to me to stay regular. This is just the beginning."