Kieran Gibbs wants Trossard to play key role for Arsenal v Manchester City

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Former Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs has called for Leandro Trossard to start against Manchester City.

Arsenal are set to host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola have selection headaches to contend with.

Amongst other absences, Arsenal are almost certain to be without Gabriel Martinelli on Sunday. This means that Leandro Trossard is likely to be named in the starting XI, playing on the left-flank of the Gunners’ attacking contingent. 

Kieran Gibbs certainly wants to see Trossard handed this role. The retired defender spent a decade with the Arsenal first team squad, making 230 appearances across all competitions.

Speaking to ESPN FC, ahead of the north London club’s clash with the reigning Premier League champions, the 33-year-old said, “Trossard definitely has to start for me in this game.”

Trossard has been in fine form so far this season. The 28-year-old attacker has racked up three goals and one assist across six appearances. 

Arteta must build system to support Trossard

At his best, the 28-cap Belgium international has the capacity to really hurt Manchester City. With his tactical intelligence, technical ability, and fearsome finishing, Trossard could be a difference-maker against Guardiola’s side.

However, there are drawbacks to starting him against City. His relative lack of pace means he offers little threat in behind, and may struggle to get back to support Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back. This weakness could be brutally punished by the rapid Kyle Walker, if he is playing at right-back for the visitors. 

Arteta will need to be mindful of these factors when picking his team. The likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz will be needed to shuffle across and help out Trossard defensively.

If Arsenal can get this balance of their left-hand side right though, then starting Trossard could pay off handsomely for them.