A surprise addition to Arsenal’s first-team last season, with many expecting him to play in the U23s for the first year of his time at the Emirates, Matteo Guendouzi grabbed the chance handed to him by Unai Emery and never looked back.
The midfielder was a starter once again under the Spaniard in the London side’s first game of the season against Newcastle, and, after a successful campaign last year, seems to be ready to fight it out with the likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka for a regular starting spot.
On top of all this, the 20-year-old is also keeping an eye on his younger brother, Milan Guendouzi, who is hoping to follow in his sibling’s footsteps and recently signed for Troyes in France.
Speaking to L’Est Eclair, the 17-year-old said: “He’s an example for me. I go to see him whenever I can. He gives me a lot of tips, follows my games. We are really close”.
Playing in a similar central midfield role to the Arsenal player, Milan is also considerably shorter, standing at just 5’5”, but he doesn’t feel that’s a hindrance in today’s game.
He explained: “It doesn’t bother me. These days, it’s not that important. Look at the likes of N’Golo Kanté and Luka Modric”.
Guendouzi has yet to play a professional game, but he’s hoping that can change this season, looking to break through the first-team and eventually live the ‘same dream’ as his brother.
