Sabri Guendouz insists 'my time is coming' at Hearts but key objective trumps personal targets
The Hearts star signed for the club during the summer transfer window.
Sabri Guendouz insists his time to make a Hearts impact is on the horizon ahead of a busy run of matches in Gorgie.
The playmaker signed from Belgian side Beerschot in the summer transfer window but Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock was just his third Premiership appearance of the season so far. He’s played nine times overall with four starts, capable of playing out wide, or in attacking midfield positions.
Guendouz has had limited opportunities out wide amid strong form from Josh McPake, Calvin Miller and others. His ability to play across many positions in the forward line though makes him a versatile option for head coach Wouter Vrancken to call upon as the Frenchman continues to adapt to life in Scotland. He is happy to bide his time, and take the chance he feels is coming for him at Tynecastle when it presents himself, but team success trumps his own personal targets.
Sabri Guendouz on time at Hearts
Speaking to the Evening News, Guendouz said: ”For me, Calvin, the other attackers in the team, they are really good. I think I have the quality for play. It is the coach who decides. But for me to get in the side, yes, I keep working. I keep every day to try to best myself in the training. And in the game, the same, just be focused, just confidence. And it's not just Sabri, it's Hearts, it's the team. I will play a lot of games. My time is coming."
Upon coming off the bench at Rugby Park, Guendouz appeared in various positions in the Kilmarnock half, as Stephen Kingsley’s late leveller eventually grabbed Hearts a point. He also impressed in a recent Premier Sports Cup triumph over Stenhousemuir where fans got a 90-minute look at the 26-year-old.
There is no self-doubting of quality as the former Beerschot man is comfortable with being able to produce when given the chance. There are differences though in how much of an impact he can make when coming off the bench opposed with being selected from the off.
His game is based off dribbling, instinctive decision making and chance creation, making him a tricky player for defenders to figure out. All Guendouz can focus on is being the best version of himself when needed to step up at Hearts.
What is the playing style of Sabri Guendouz?
He added: "I got a chance on Saturday against Kilmarnock. I want to play in the left, in the right, in attacking midfield or number 10, you know, and I attacked with the other players. For me, I have the quality, dribbling, creating the chance, creating the space, very instinctive. I don't compare with the other players. I have the quality and me, yes, I just need to be humble and just stay in my time.
“When you start, when you don't start, it's different, you know. But when you start, you have time in the game for a goal entrance, for the confidence on the ball. And when you go on the bench for the game, yes, it's very quick, you know, you don't have a lot of time.
“And for me, yes, I am happy. For me it's just the beginning. I think I have a lot of time for my adaptation, for the football in Scotland, for the team, for the coach. And yes, for me, when I am here, I try to be my best every day.”
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