Mattéo Guendouzi: A Rising Star in European Football
Early Life and Career
Mattéo Guendouzi was born on April 14, 1999, in Poissy, France. He began his football career at the age of six, joining the local club US Poissy. In 2014, he moved to the Paris Saint-Germain academy, where he spent three years before joining Lorient in 2017.
Breakthrough at Lorient
Guendouzi made his professional debut for Lorient in August 2017, at the age of 18. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, making 30 appearances in his first season. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the France U19 team.
International Career
Guendouzi has represented France at various youth levels. He made his debut for the U19 team in 2017 and was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2018. He made his senior debut for France in 2019 and has since earned five caps.
Move to Arsenal
In July 2018, Guendouzi signed for Arsenal for a fee of £8 million. He made his debut for the club in the Premier League on August 12, 2018, against Manchester City. He quickly became a regular starter for Arsenal, making 33 appearances in his first season.
Controversies at Arsenal
Guendouzi's time at Arsenal was marked by both impressive performances and controversies. He was highly praised for his technical ability and work rate, but he also attracted criticism for his occasional disciplinary issues.
Loan Move to Hertha BSC
In October 2020, Guendouzi was loaned to Hertha BSC for the 2020/21 season. He made 24 appearances for the German club, scoring two goals. His performances at Hertha helped him regain his form and confidence.
Return to Arsenal and Loan Move to Marseille
Guendouzi returned to Arsenal in the summer of 2021, but he struggled to regain his place in the first team. In January 2022, he was loaned to Marseille for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. He has since made 13 appearances for Marseille, scoring one goal.
Move to Marseille
In July 2022, Marseille announced the signing of Guendouzi on a permanent deal. The fee for the transfer was reported to be around £10 million.
Playing Style
Guendouzi is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions. He is known for his excellent passing range, technical ability, and work rate. He is also a good tackler and has a strong physical presence.
Conclusion
Mattéo Guendouzi is a talented and promising young midfielder who has already achieved great things in his career. He is a key player for both Marseille and the France national team, and he is likely to have a bright future in the game.