Scout Report – Goncalo Guedes
Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Goncalo Guedes, who is currently playing as a winger for Valencia, on loan. Originally from Paris Saint-Germain, Guedes has been earning rave reviews for his performances at the Spanish club. Arsene Wenger has two wantaway wingers at hand in the form Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and is understood to be searching the market for younger replacements. Guedes has scored 3 goals in 11 La Liga matches for Valencia and has been quite influential in the club’s good fortune this season.
However, an interest from Arsenal could sound enticing for the youngster and the Gunners do have areas he can work his magic in. Let’s take a closer look at his profile.
History
Born in 1996 in Benavente, Portugal, Guedes embarked on his football career at Benfica. He made his professional debut for the reserves back in April 2014 and eventually went on to earn appreciation from the coaches. Six months later, the 21-year-old made his first-team debut for the side and became quite a regular. He won 5 trophies with the Portuguese giants but then secured a switch to Paris Saint-Germain in January this year. However, the French side loaned him out to Valencia and he has been excelling for the Spanish club.
As far as his international career is concerned, Guedes has been capped more than 50 times for Portugal at youth level, right from the under-15 to under-23 levels. In fact, he made his debut for the senior team in 2015 at the age of 18.
Playing Style
Guedes is proficient at shooting from distances and is quite strong at holding on to the ball. Passing is one of his better attributes and the player can do a mean dribble to maintain fluidity in the game. The youngster is notorious for cutting in quite often, which often ends up in him getting fouled. That said, the player needs to work on his finishing skills. He has a long way to go but he is at an age where he should get the basics right in order to progress further in his career.
Guedes’ Future
With Arsenal harbouring an interest in him, it could be an ambitious move for Guedes to move to the Premier League, after having played for Benfica and Valencia. His future at PSG does seem light and the Emirates stadium could prove to be a viable destination in terms of him garnering some valuable experience. Hence, with Sanchez and Ozil’s future’s clouded by uncertainty, Guedes could benefit by choosing to move to Arsenal.