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Gary Lineker has called Matteo Guendouzi “enormously talented” after the 20-year-old was called up to the France squad for their upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.
What did he say?
Initially, Paul Pogba had been included in Didier Deschamps’ side for the fixtures against Albania and Andorra. However, the Manchester United midfielder hobbled off the pitch following his side’s game against Southampton last week.
As such, a spot opened up in the national side and, after impressing at the start of the season, the former Lorient man received the call.
Gary Lineker is clearly enamoured with the youngster, and took to Twitter to share his thoughts, saying:
“Unsurprising. Enormously talented young footballer.”
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A Vieira-like lynchpin
Despite big signings such as Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos, as well as the already established stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guendouzi has stood out for the Gunners this season. He has started each of the first four Premier League games for Unai Emery’s team, and is top of the Arsenal class with a WhoScored rating of 7.35. Deschamps has clearly taken notice, and on form it is hard to argue that the call-up isn’t deserved.
Patrick Vieira once commanded the north London outfit’s midfield, and the similarities with the youngster do not end with their shared nationality. Like the former number four, Guendouzi has displayed fighting spirit and grit, as well as guile and skill. Ever since the 6ft 3in enforcer joined Juventus in 2005, there has been a struggle to replace him.
It would be naive to put unfair pressure on Guendouzi by saying he will have a career like Vieira, but he can certainly aim to have a comparable influence on the Arsenal squad. And now he has been selected, he may be able to do it for his country too.
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