Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is emerging into a leader on the pitch after he left fans purring during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday. After being recognised by pundits for his leadership, the Gunners’ defensive midfielder should have been handed the armband.
The Frenchman was recently singled out by former centre back Per Mertesacker who expects him to become a “future leader” at the club. The 20-year-old has become a mainstay in manager Unai Emery’s plans since his move from French side Lorient in 2018.
Having a player like Guendouzi who likes to drop deep, collect balls from defenders and start attacks for his team, is significant. He is quickly becoming one of their most important midfielders at the club. After tailing off at the end of last season, he has evolved from a fringe player into a crucial first-team starter in the space of just two seasons.
The 20-year-old has many characteristics that signify a player who can battle and scrap but also have a range of passing to initiate new threats. Having already played 55 games in just over a year at Arsenal, it’s very clear that Emery has big plans for him going forward.
However, the Spanish manager has come under heavy fire from legend Ian Wright, who was furious when Arsenal’s former No. 9 discovered that Granit Xhaka was to be made captain. Wright fought Guendouzi’s corner and believes that the young Frenchman should have been the rightful owner of the armband.
Guendouzi’s emergence has been inspiring and one that can motivate others around him. He now has a big task on his hands to stake his claim in the Arsenal team and prove that he can become one of the very best around.
