Matteo Guendouzi: From Arsenal to Lazio - Success, Challenges, and the Road to Champions League

Introduction

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi (24) shared his thoughts on his time in the Premier League with Arsenal. Guendouzi, who joined the Gunners from Lorient in 2019, made a significant impact during his initial years at the club.

Impressive Start

When Guendouzi arrived at Arsenal, he was relatively unknown, coming from Lorient, a Ligue 2 side at the time. However, the French international quickly made a name for himself, playing 85 games in just two years. Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Guendouzi expressed no regrets, highlighting the opportunity to play for a prestigious club like Arsenal.

Limited Game Time

Despite his early success, Guendouzi's game time decreased after the arrival of Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's manager. He found himself spending more time on the bench and was eventually removed from the matchday squad altogether. This decision came after an incident with Neal Maupay during a game against Brighton, which turned out to be Guendouzi's last appearance for the club.

Impact at Marseille

Following his departure from Arsenal, Guendouzi joined Marseille, where he made a significant impact. However, his time with Les Olympiens was not without challenges, leading to his loan move to Lazio. Guendouzi spoke about the differences in playing style between Italy and other European leagues, emphasizing the tactical nature of the game in Italy and the difficulty in scoring goals.

Conclusion

Matteo Guendouzi's time at Arsenal was marked by both success and challenges. While he made a strong impression during his early years, his game time decreased under new management, ultimately leading to his departure from the club. Guendouzi's experience highlights the competitive nature of football in Italy and the importance of adapting to different playing styles. As he continues his career at Lazio, Guendouzi remains focused on his goal of qualifying for the Champions League in the upcoming season.