Watch: Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi scores beauty for France
Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi opened his international account in style with a beautiful curling effort in the dying seconds of France’s 5-0 friendly victory over South Africa.
The world champions showed why they’re the favourites for Qatar 2022 with another frightening performance as they treated the fans in Lille to a show.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, while ex-Gunners striker Olivier Giroud notched his 48th goal for Les Bleus – a strike that takes him within three goals of matching Thierry Henry’s all-time record for France.
And there was another Arsenal connection on show as outcast Guendouzi scored his first goal for France.
The curly-haired midfielder suffered an early career setback when he felt the wrath of Mikel Arteta and was ousted from Arsenal’s first-team squad – a fate that would later befall Mesut Ozil and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
But he’s plugged away and seems to be thriving back in France, and by all accounts been one of Marseille’s top performers this season alongside centre-back William Saliba – who also featured for France this evening.
Guendouzi earned his international debut back in November, and he’s been back in the squad this time around.
“It was a carefully considered choice,” he told RMC about his move to Marseille this season.
“There were very good discussions with the president, with the coach and people in my family.
“We really made the best decision all together. For me, it’s the best choice I’ve made in many years.”
He technically remains on Arsenal’s books but reports suggest a £10million permanent move to the Stade Velodrome is all but secure.
Le but de @MatteoGuendouzi ! LET'S GOOOO ! 🥰
#FRAADS pic.twitter.com/cRuhkWtfKu
— Le Marseillais des Alpes ⛰️ (@LeMarseillaisDA) March 29, 2022
Mattéo Guendouzi (22) a huge winner of this international break – demonstrated his ability to break the lines, create danger, produce goals & assists, whilst also retaining midfield shape. His hopes of being at the World Cup just went from outsider to serious contender.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 29, 2022
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