Matteo Guendouzi

Artwork by @chapulana

Very few expected the 19-year-old midfielder Matteo Guendouzi to start the season in Arsenals midfield. With the arrival of the excellent Lucas Torreira and the presence of Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka most probably considered this a watch and learn season for the young Frenchman. Yet after three games Guendouzi have played all but 30 minutes of Arsenals fixtures. He completed full games against both Manchester City and Chelsea. In this tactical analysis we look more closely at Arsenals latest gem.

Background

Matteo Guendouzi is a 19-year-old French midfielder with Moroccan heritage. Guendouzi came through the ranks at Lorient where he made his Ligue 1 debut in 2016/17. In that season, the young central midfielder made four starts and four cameos. Lorient were relegated at the end of the season and Guendouzi therefore spent last season in the French Ligue 2. He only made eighteen appearances in the second division before moving to Arsenal in the summer. His rise to the top has been quick; as stated he spent last season in the French second division and now competes well against world class midfielders in the Premier League. Morocco has tried to convince him to play for their national team, but Guendouzi has apparently decided to try to break into the French team in the future.

Tactical analysis: Matteo Guendouzis style of play

Matteo Guendouzi is a central midfielder. He has started all three of Arsenals Premier League games in a midfield duo with Granit Xhaka in Arsenals 4-2-3-1. Guendouzi thereby has a vital role in providing a base for the attackers to flourish and to give balance to the team. In the tactical analysis below well look at how he performs in both the attacking and defensive phase.

Attacking: Intelligent passing

The main thing that stands out with Guendouzi in possession of the ball is his intelligent passing. He has the ability to combine short in tight areas while also having the range of passing to hit teammates 50 meters away. Unai Emerys Arsenal really value possession football and they always look to build from the back. Emerys midfielders are therefore crucial to his sides attacking play. One area where the young Frenchman can improve, which he likely will with more experience, is to remain longer in central areas before dropping out to receive the ball. The image below highlights a position Guendouzi often picks up.