Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard has been recognized as the unsung hero in Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title-chasing squad.
Aaron Ramsdale had a few words of warning for his Arsenal team-mates following the arrival of Leandro Trossard at the club in the January transfer window. The Gunners keeper has made several observations from his short time around the Belgian that he is not joining Arsenal to match Mikel Arteta’s men.
Last season when the Gunners were flying high at the top of the Premier League, Arteta was not required to make any major changes to his starting XI.
But Trossard was the signing that ensured the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were kept on their toes and it wasn’t long before the former Brighton forward forced his way into Arteta’s attacking line-up.
Ramsdale told The Fellas podcast in January during a chilling clip that resurfaced on social media this week: “Trossard is coming to take someone’s place in his head, he’s not coming – it might look like he’s coming to be part of the squad, deep down. like I was with [Bernd] Leno.
“Like I came in to take Leno’s step, he came in to replace one of the front three. So if you start saying ‘oh by the way, we’ve signed Trossard‘ before that happens, one of the front three might leave. ” ‘Wait a moment’.”
The England international goalkeeper was right. Trossard is the signing that made Arsenal’s forwards sit up and take notice.
In 20 Premier League games for the Gunners, he registered 10 assists and scored one goal, figures which suggest it took him no time to adapt to his new surroundings following the biggest step of his career.
However Trossard’s performance levels only seem to improve over the summer as he has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in pre-season.
Trossard scored in the 5-0 win over the MLS All-Stars and also bagged two goals in the 5-3 win over Barcelona in the United States.
He is no doubt knocking on the door for a starting berth and has given Arteta a real headache ahead of his season opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
On signing at the Emirates Stadium, Trossard also made it clear he felt his best position was to operate as a No.10 – a role that would be difficult to pull off due to the quality and class of Martin Odegaard.
“I like being in the striker’s back pocket. On the wing, I can also explore myself,” said Trossard
“I feel comfortable in either position, but if I had to choose, behind the strikers – but it all depends on the system.
“It helps me that I am versatile and I can play in different positions. They are looking forward to working with me and vice versa. I am very excited to work with them and I think Mikel is a top coach.”
Trossard is a dream signing for Arteta. He has the character and attitude to increase the competition for places in the squad and furthermore, he can play in almost every position on the front line to a very high level.
He will only continue to improve and will ensure Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Saka and Odegaard are unable to get a day off if they retain their places in the side.
Ramsdale was absolutely right in what he said then. He can sense Trossard means business and after a stellar pre-season, the Belgian is out to steal his team-mate’s place ahead of the 2023/24 season.
