I’ll be the first to admit I had my doubts over Leandro Trossard (profile wise) when we first got him in but what he’s shown so far has been nothing short of amazing, I was mostly concerned whether he can be enough of a like for like replacement for Martinelli in the place of his absence but he’s settled in just fine. Granted, he has more of an impact centrally but the Belgian is a multi faceted technician capable of playing everywhere across the front line and in the attacking midfield positions.
Unfortunately for him, Gabriel Jesus coming back and Martinelli hitting peak form mean there simply isn’t room for his services in the team right now. That doesn’t mean he’s stopped being an utter menace for the opposition whenever he gets the chance. He’s become Arteta’s go to guy when the game needs an attacking addition and he almost always delivers.
Leandro Trossard – START OR NOT?
Many will question why he can’t get a start in this team despite being in top form but it should be completely normal to have this type of quality coming off the bench. He’d comfortably be among those coming off the bench if he played for City, Arsenal fans have to realize that these are the type of players our bench needs to be filled with in order to compete with giants like City. Can Arsenal field an almost entirely new eleven and win games with ease in the league? I highly doubt it but that’s the level of competition were talking about here.
Since he joined Arsenal, he has 1 goal and 7 assists in 14 games but in only 611 minutes on the pitch. Despite him dropping to the bench for the last few games, the impact he offers in possession remains big. You always feel his presence whenever he comes on. Be that when Arsenal need a goal against a stubborn deep block or when they simply need someone to relieve them off pressure with quick feet and creative plays. He just makes things happen.
Fans have also been flirting with the idea of Trossard replacing Granit Xhaka in the lineup but that would put far too much emphasis on Partey defending the counters and Arsenal would lose physicality and someone who can track the defensive yards. We look stable with Xhaka, despite him not being the most ideal player to have in the final third of the pitch at times. Same old dynamics are much needed after Xhaka missed the game against Southampton last time out.
That’s why I’d stay away from that idea for now but would welcome it when game state requires it.
IN CONCLUSION
Arsenal fans shouldn’t be unhappy when they see Trossard not starting, the impact he can make off the bench remains extremely valuable for this team. His presence alone is pushing others to be better. Just see Martinelli’s up-rise in form since he’s been benched for Trossard against Aston Villa. He turned his no goal/assist streak of 6 games into an 8 goals + 3 assists in 10 games run. Competition makes everyone better and forces everyone to either elevate their game or get left behind. Title or no title, competition for places is crucial for further development of this squad whose sky is the only limit. More of the same in the summer, please.
MUST READ –
Arsenal & Leandro Trossard: a league winning relationship!
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Jorginho Frello – a worthy Partey substitute or more?
The dangerous impact of media on English football
The importance of Oleksandr Zinchenko
Thomas Tuchel — Training Methodology
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