Leandro Trossard is one of several players who have been slightly below-par at Arsenal since the October international break.
In the absence of Martin Odegaard, Trossard has often been deployed as the number 10 at Arsenal of late, playing just behind Kai Havertz.
And in truth, it’s not a role the Belgium international has thrived in recently, even though he was excellent in the pocket at times last season.
Trossard’s best moments so far this campaign, like his match-winning cameo against Aston Villa, came from the left, which remains his strongest position.
That being said, ahead of facing Chelsea on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash, Trossard has made some interesting comments about one of his former teammates.
Leandro Trossard hails Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Trossard spoke about Moises Caicedo who, according to reports, was firmly on Arsenal’s radar before he joined Chelsea in a big-money move in 2023.
Trossard hailed Caicedo as a ‘top player’ despite initially struggling at Chelsea, and perhaps pointed out why the Gunners made a mistake walking away from a deal.
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He said: “He’s definitely a top player (Caicedo). I saw straight away when he came into the team at Brighton that he could be a big player for a big team.
“At the start that was hard but maybe because of the situation at Chelsea. But now he is having a bigger role and bigger impact.”
Of course, had Arsenal signed Caicedo for a similar fee to Chelsea paid, it seems very unlikely that they would have recruited Declan Rice from West Ham United.
Rice has been a huge hit in north London, someone who Trossard would also praise immensely were he given the chance.
Mykhaylo Mudryk also hoping to prove Arsenal wrong
Of course, when they come up against Chelsea on Sunday, Arsenal are also likely to face Mykhaylo Mudryk, a player they were interested in signing, too.
Mudryk is unlikely to start for Enzo Maresca’s side, but should make an appearance from the bench.
Unlike Caicedo, who would sit brilliantly in Arsenal’s midfield, there’s probably not too much regret at the Emirates Stadium regarding the club’s decision to walk away from Mudryk.
Perhaps he would have fared better under Arteta’s guidance, but Arsenal would have had to pay an astronomical fee to find out.
Of the two, the Gunners would surely much rather have Caicedo right now, who’s right at the heart of Maresca’s new project at Stamford Bridge.
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