In January 2023, Arsenal paid £25 million for Leandro Trossard to Brighton. The 28-year-old Belgian made the jump to the biggest club of his career to complete a squad that, at the time, was fighting for the Premier League head-to-head with Manchester City. Months later, he has confirmed himself as Arteta’s perfect wild card for the Gunners who have established themselves among the elite.
“I think every time you ask him to play, whether on the wing or as a ‘9’, he flows and is a real threat, so I’m very happy with him”, were the Basque coach’s words about the Belgian after the weekend’s game against Burnley. In the same way, The former Genk entered the history of the London team: he scored the 1,000th goal at the Emirates, risking his physical integrity and crashing into the post.
I think whenever you ask him to play, whether it’s on the wing or in the ‘9’, he flows and is a real threat, so I’m very happy for him.
Mikel Arteta
This is a confirmation of his good chance. Trossard, who has already scored against Sevilla in the Champions League, made the most of the opportunities presented by the physical problems of Gabriel Jesus and Nketiah. He plays as a ‘9’ although his natural position is a winger. And he obeyed.
“I always have to be active. I always have to know my role. But I like it, I never back down from anything. I always play my game. He (Arteta, ed.) knows that I also like to change positions during the game. We also have different types of players and that creates a bit of chaos for the opposing team. I like it. “I’m really happy,” said the Belgian when asked about his versatility.
I will never turn my back on anything. If you put me as a forward, or as a winger or as number ’10’, I think I will always play my game
Leandro Trossard
“Top approach, top mentality”, completes Arteta when detailing his profile on Trossard. A player who left Belgium ‘late’ and quickly made an impact in the Premier through Brighton. A clash with De Zerbi hastened his departure and at Arsenal he found an ideal place to settle at the top… even if it was as a substitute. He knows how to wait for his moment.
