This summer, after 22 years at the helm of the club, Arsenal leader and legend, Arsene Wenger, finally left the club. The following months have been fascinating to watch as the club deals with this monumental change.
Naturally, all eyes are on Unai Emery - the man who has replaced Arsene Wenger as the team's head coach. The Spaniard will likely be judged more heavily than any other during this period of transition.
However, one certain young Frenchman - a 19-year-old by the name of
But, as the 19-year-old snuck quietly onto the scene, he quickly made a telling and immediate impression. After an impressive preseason, the youngster surprisingly forced his way into the starting lineup for Arsenal's league opener against Manchester City.
The game was tough and Arsenal lost, but undeniably Guendouzi left his mark. He was bold, he was brave and he was unafraid despite the stage. I mean, this was a teenager playing against the best team in England - having just come from France's second division - and demanding the ball from his teammates to set the tempo of Arsenal's game throughout.
July 11: Joins Arsenal
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) 12 November 2018
Aug 8: Makes Arsenal debut
⚽️ Oct 4: Scores first Arsenal goal
Nov 12: First @equipedefrance call-up
Congratulations, @MatteoGuendouzi - we’re all so proud of you pic.twitter.com/DiYQj2AuiB
It's his fearlessness, his inability to be overwhelmed by the occasion, which has impressed Arsenal fans the most so far.
It shows something about Guendouzi's fearless character that he could walk into the dressing room of one of the biggest clubs in England and make friends with the team's two most expensive ever signings in no time at all. Alexandre Lacazette
Seriously, s
Training session in Singapore with smile ⚪️ #stayfocus #preseason @Arsenal #AFCTour2018 pic.twitter.com/mRCsJJc63w
— Matteo Guendouzi (@MatteoGuendouzi) 24 July 2018
Whilst his temperament, leadership and maturity on and off the field are certainly all aspects to praise and consider, it's also worth noting just how good he is as a player when it comes to more technical aspects of the game.
45 & 15 - Matteo Guendouzi has won 45 duels & 15 fouls in the Premier League 2018/19, more than any other player born in 1999 or after. FranceU21. pic.twitter.com/fwj3hx7nKH
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) 12 November 2018
The fact is, at such a young age, he already looks like captain material. Arsenal have struggled to find a reliable captain for a good while now. With Patrick Vieira being such a good leader, and Tony Adams before that, it's been an impossible job to find someone adequate since.
On the other hand, it's noticeable how often Emery reaches out from the sideline to communicate with Guendouzi during games. It already feels as if the Frenchman is one of the team generals; it feels as if he is relied upon, as if both player and coach trust one another. It seems like the teenager could be moulded into a loyal and perfect soldier for Emery; a captain to help achieve his manager's long term vision.
Undoubtedly
Source : 90min