Matteo Guendouzi is becoming a fan favorite

Earlier this month it was announced that Arsenal had signed 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi from Lorient in Frances’s Ligue 2. The defensive midfielder was brought in by head of recruitment Sven Mislintat. All that was known about the player at the time was that:

• He began his career at the PSG academy before joining Lorient’s academy in 2014.
• His debut with Lorient’s first team came in October 2016 when he was just 17.
• He played 30 times for Lorient in total.
• The teenager has represented France at the under-18, under-19 and under-20 level.

In his brief time with the Gunners, Guendouzi has caused many to sit up and take notice. He has looked confident and poised on the ball. At the moment it is unclear if the youngster will play for Arsenal’s youth sides or slot right in to the first team.

Here are some of the reactions from fans who have taken notice of Guendouzi’s skills:

The young Frenchman has impressed supporters but has also ingratiated himself to his new teammates. In keeping with tradition, new signings are expected to stand up in front of their teammates and sing a song as part of a team initiation. Guendouzi obliged and delivered his song during a team dinner in Singapore.

In its review of today’s match, the Daily Mirror named Guendouzi the Man of the Match. The paper described his performance as follows:

The Frenchman might be the recruit of the summer. He possesses an unbelievable passing ability, with positional sense to cut out any danger. If you squinted and ignored the flowing locks, you could be duped into thinking you were watching 2008-era Xavi.

It’s early days for Guendouzi, but he is certainly making people stand up and take notice of his ability, maturity and of course, his hair.