Many Arsenal fans wouldn’t have heard of Matteo Guendouzi when he signed this summer for around £7m from Lorient, but they almost certainly do now.
The youngster came into the team and was expected to be shoved straight into the U23 squad, and perhaps that was Emery’s plan to begin with. However, it’s fair to say that after the fantastic pre-season he’s had, he will almost certainly be given a first team chance when the Premier League campaign kicks off.
At just 19, Guendouzi has been one of the Gunners’ star performers so far over the summer, and his displays have given fans a huge sense of excitement about just how good he could become.
Speaking when he had just signed for the club, the Frenchman said: “Everything is a question of work. I have to work, work, work, and the coach will make his choices, but I hope to play a few matches. This is only the beginning, but I hope that this is a great adventure for me at Arsenal.”
The Frenchman has done just that, and in almost shocking fashion. He really has blown us all away with his sheer confidence. In just his third start for the club, Guendouzi has produced some brilliant performances, perhaps even a MOTM performance against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
And in typical Twitter fashion, fans went crazy:
This 19-yr-old kid @MatteoGuendouzi is exciting. Such poise, intelligence & sublime talent for such a young, inexperienced player. Reminds me of when Fabregas first came to us – you can just tell he’s going to be a star. I hope @UnaiEmery_ starts him against City. #afc pic.twitter.com/iTa2fVfei6
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 1, 2018
Shouldn't get carried away with youngsters after a handful of performances. However be under no illusions, Matteo Guendouzi is a hybrid of Xavi, Pirlo, Iniesta, De Bruyne, and Paul Scholes. pic.twitter.com/UPPk6FY6db
— Coral (@Coral) July 28, 2018
Heard your club didn't sign Mattéo Guendouzi this summer. A real shame.
— Kick Arse (@kickarseHD) August 1, 2018
Mattéo Guendouzi is the midfielder Manchester United fans have us believe that Paul Pogba is.
— FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) August 1, 2018
I’m not saying it’s time to overhype guendouzi, I’m just saying it’s time to buy his shirt, make him your lock screen and change the twitter handle to guendouziology
— YankeeGunner (@YankeeGunner) August 1, 2018
Guendouzi has been superb – so comfortable when pressured. Highlights how poor Elneny is – think Elneny HAS to be moved on. Not good enough.
— Renato (@th14Renato) August 1, 2018
Guendouzi just ended Wilsheres entire Arsenal career in 180 minutes. Sublime
— Aido (@HandofEmery) August 1, 2018