Judging by the lack of concerted transfer interest, Azor Matusiwa is of one Ligue 1’s more underappreciated talents. Now 25 and in his third season with Reims since arriving in France from Dutch club Groningen in 2020, the former Netherlands under 21 international’s continued presence in Champagne surprises. Although arguably a sign of Reims’ rising stock under Will Still in 2023, teams used to being further up the division or more ambitious sides from across the continent would do well to pay more attention to Matusiwa.
Often an under-the-radar, unspectacular influence on games at the base of Reims’ midfield, Matusiwa’s low profile is perhaps understandable, as much of his good work goes unnoticed or is underappreciated. Reliable, consistent and precise, Matuiswa’s considered technical ability speaks to his Ajax upbringing. He progressed through the Amsterdamers’ youth teams to under 21 level before leaving for De Graafschap on loan in January 2019 and a permanent move to Groningen that summer.
Matusiwa has one mode, as an organized and astute, defensive sentinel, serenely protecting Reims’ backline week to week. His FBRef profile underlines what’s obvious from the eye test in that he performs especially well in interceptions, blocks, tackles and clearances. None of his teammates can beat his tackles plus interceptions tally this term while his icey discipline and calmness in deeper areas, including between the centre-backs, is also key for what is often otherwise a dynamic and positive Reims outfit under Still.
Matusiwa’s lack of incision the only glaring weakness
At the time of writing, no one at Reims has been more successful than Matusiwa in halting dribblers this season. The midfielder is often seen gliding across to break up an attack via a well-timed challenge before neatly recycling play to a nearby colleague or by hitting a dipping long ball. His 80.9% long pass completion rate up to mid-December this season was comfortably Reims’ best while only goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf boasts a better ratio in the mid-range.
Matusiwa’s lack of scope is perhaps his biggest failing. True creativity and incisive passing in more advanced areas are rare, underlined by his output of just one goal and one assist in his first 72 Ligue 1 outings up to mid-December, and none of either in just over two Eredivisie years with Groningen. Reims, however, are clear on the importance of their midfield general and organiser, recently tying the midfielder down to 2027.
Now a proven Ligue 1 operator with ample ability in his chosen role, Matusiwa is still plenty youthful while also boasting meaningful experience. He may be one of the lesser-known names to appear in this year’s GFFN 100 but his performances in 2023 suggest that’s something of a misnomer.
