Journalist James McNicholas has hailed the impact that Leandro Trossard has had on the Arsenal team in recent weeks.
With Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus ruled out with injury, Leandro Trossard has started the last two Arsenal matches, against West Ham United and Burnley.
In both games the Belgian attacker got on the scoresheet and has impressed with his all-round play. Trossard has also been able to strike up an effective partnership with Kai Havertz. As the pair interchange positions regularly on the pitch, rotating the left-eight midfield berth and striker role between them, their disparate attributes can both be taken advantage of. The German provides a target-man like focal point, whilst Trossard is a more natural finisher and offers a treat in behind with his darting runs.
Since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the January of 2023, Trossard has never been a nailed on regular starter, as the likes of Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have generally been ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, whilst it has been suggested that Trossard has been unhappy with his limited game time at Arsenal, that has not prevented him from becoming a hugely effective and productive member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Gabriel Jesus warned of Leandro Trossard threat to his Arsenal place
In 51 appearances for Arsenal, across all competitions, since his switch from the south coast, Trossard has contributed 11 goals and 12 assists. There is now a strong argument that the 29-year-old ought to finally be granted a regular starting berth by Arteta.
That is certainly the position that James McNicholas has now taken. Speaking on his On The Whistle YouTube video, in the wake of the win over Burnley, the reporter said “Trossard gets his goal. What I liked about it, he has a couple of chances just before the goal, and you could see how hungry he was to get that goal. I think he knows that if he keeps scoring, they can’t take him out of this team. I think that’s right.”
“At the moment he is doing everything you want from a forward…Trossard is getting the goals, and as long as he keeps scoring, I think it’s going to be very difficult for Jesus to get him out of this starting XI.”
Of course, Jesus himself is an extremely talented player, and brings plenty of quality to the Arsenal team. However, he is far from prolific. The former Manchester City man has only netted 4 times in the Premier League this season, despite having made 17 outings in the division.
In their last two games, without Jesus in the team and with Trossard playing in his place, the Gunners have scored 11 goals without conceding any.
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