Matteo Guendouzi - Who is Arsenal's promising young star?

In wake of two opening defeats, a young Frenchman is being hailed as the shining light of Unai Emery’s poor start at Arsenal. His name, Matteo Geundouzi. 

The central midfielder has made Arsenal fans show signs of optimism, something they hadn’t felt or even believed they could feel under Wenger for the past five years. Emery has opted to start the 19-year-old in the Gunners opening two matches and he has shined despite the Gunners losing to Man City and Chelsea.

But who is he? Where does he come from? 

Matteo is a product of Paris Saint Germain’s academy, which he left in 2014 to join FC Lorient at the age of fifteen.  He made his professional Ligue 1 debut two years after in a match against Nates, he went on to play 9 times for the French outfit who were relegated that season. In the French second Division, Geundouzi would go on to play 21 times during the 2017/18 season, registering 0 goals and 0 assists. 

Fast forward a year later and one of Arsenal's first signings under Unai Emery was an unknown central midfielder came from Lorient for £7.5. Many fans saw him as a player whose name they would not need to learn as the belief was that he would be developed further in the academy for a few years. However, the Gunner's fans now have learned how to spell and pronounce the Frenchman's name as Emery has started him in Arsenal’s two opening games and Geundouzi has stated a claim to remain there. 

In the defeat against Manchester City on the opening day of the season, Matteo was Arsenals most composed and creative player. Assured in possession, he already looks like a better alternative to both Granit Xhaka and Mohammad Elneny. 

Against Chelsea, Guendouzi again showcased his potential against a top Premier League outfit. There was a moment where he collected the ball deep into his own half,  turned and without looking up launched a 40-yard through ball that cut the whole Chelsea midfield out of the game. If Aubameyang brought his shooting boots to Stamford Bridge, Arsenal would have scored and it would have been all down to Matteo’s pass. 

Prior to both games, he had only started four top-flight matches in his life and now he finds himself shining in a midfield which boasts the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrik Mkhitaryan. He has currently made more tackles and interceptions (17) than any other player so far this season. The youngster still has a lot to learn but maybe the move to Arsenal was perfect for him. Playing for a team with high expectations, talented players and a playing style that suits his attributes may be just what he needs to develop into a world-class player. 

Many youngsters at Arsenal have attempted and failed. The likes of Chuba Akpom, Yaya Sanogo, and Serge Gnabry all came up short under Arsene Wenger. But under Emery, we may see a new youth movement at Arsenal and I expect Matteo Guendzoui to be its leader.