Premier League
Arsenal: Matteo Guendouzi Living The Dream
As a new era is ushers at the Emirates, a relative unknown Matteo Guendouzi has found himself at the center of attention.
The French teenager was expected to link up with the youth squad. However, after a series of amazing performances in pre-season, he has quickly put himself into Unai Emery’s plans. However, with less than ten top-flight appearances to his name, no one had expected him to make such a startling impact.
He caught the eyes of the Arsenal faithful after starring in a 5-1 victory over PSG in pre-season.
Keeping Torreira, a player who featured in all five of Uruguay’s World Cup games, out of the Arsenal’s midfield for the first game of the Premier League season against Manchester City was beyond expectations. And so was Guendouzi’s performance. He featured in all four of Arsenal’s premier league games this season, and has earned plaudits from the Arsenal faithful.
So where did it all start?
Guendouzi’s bright start was not a fluke. He may have been plucked from relative obscurity. However, it was the philosophy of the Lorient academy that helped mold his bold traits. In addition, it helped him stand out throughout his upbringing and avoid becoming overawed in his early weeks with Arsenal.
Released by Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 14, he was a key part of the Lorient Under-17 side who were French champions in 2015. In addition, he played in the French youth cup quarter-final defeat to Auxerre as part of their Under-19s two years later. As happens at every club, others around him faltered while Guendouzi rose through the ranks. Perhaps, the difference was the youngster’s determination and single-mindedness; which would later cause as many problems as it solved.
Guendouzi got the chance to showcase his talent after the appointment of Mickael Landreau. He had noted the midfielders natural progression through the ranks. By last Christmas, Manchester City and Tottenham were keeping an eye on Guendouzi’s progress, although nothing ever materialized.
The following summer, the Lorient star was sold to Arsenal for £7m. This was a significant amount for any player in Ligue 2.
Guendouzi has set his sights on emulating the legendary Arsenal French quartet of Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry, who all lifted the world cup in 1998.
Having already become a cult figure among the Arsenal fans, it’s a little bit early to say whether he will have a fantastic career. However, he’s young, and very confident on the ball and has good technical ability and vision. From the beginning his skills have been there. Only time will tell how good he fares out.
Photo credit to Stuart MacFarlane via Flickr
