Arsenal star Leandro Trossard began his senior career with Genk in 2012.
Making his first team debut for the Belgian side whilst still a teenager, Leandro Trossard subsequently spent time on loan with Lommel, Westerlo, and OH Leuven.
Having completed his football education in his homeland, he moved on to join Brighton in the summer of 2019, proving himself in the Premier League on the south coast, before earning a switch to Arsenal in January 2023.
Trossard has been sensational for Mikel Arteta’s side since joining the Gunners. The 29-year-old has scored regularly, and offers cover in a variety of positions.
There have been clashes between Trossard and Arteta, as the 39-cap Belgium international has not always been satisfied with his amount of game time. However, his time at the club has otherwise been full of positives.
He is now one of the more senior figures in the dressing room, and Arteta will be looking to Trossard to provide a positive example for the talented youngsters now taking their turn to establish themselves at senior level.
Leandro Trossard shares message with Arsenal youngsters
The Gunners’ Hale End academy system has produced a number of star players in recent years.
Ethan Nwaneri now looks like the next big thing to have emerged from the Gunners’ youth setup. Along with Myles Lewis-Skelly, the teenager stands every chance of making this season a true breakout campaign for himself.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Trossard has now shared his recollections and observations on what it takes to make the grade at first team level.
He said: “I think you need to be brave. A lot of players when they come into a new environment, you can be a bit shy at first.
“Sometimes that can work in your favour obviously, people will see you as humble, but I think in football terms you need to be present. You have to show yourself, be brave, stand out.
“There is one piece of advice I got from a coach when I was young, which basically translates as you can’t blame yourself as long as you have done everything that you control in the best possible way.
“The way you train, recover, whatever – as long as you are controlling those things, that’s all you can do. Anything that isn’t in your control you can’t blame yourself for. Manage what is in your own control, and leave the rest. I think that’s a good thing.”
Ethan Nwaneri ready to step up
Nwaneri has dazzled Arsenal fans already this season, as the 17-year-old is clearly ready to compete at the highest level, and perhaps even start games.
There is no question about the England under-19 international’s talent. He must now prove to Arteta, himself, his teammates, and the Emirates Stadium faithful that he is mentally and emotionally ready to handle the burden of being a regular for Arsenal.
He will need to demonstrate the bravery Trossard discussed, and demonstrate a consistent and committed work ethic on the training pitch. If he can do that, then opportunities, and perhaps even stardom, will surely come.
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