Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has given his verdict on the situation Leandro Trossard currently finds himself in.
Certainly based on his recent form, Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard would be a nailed-on starter for most Premier League clubs.
However, with Gabriel Martinelli back to full fitness, Trossard will have to accept that he is destined to be used in a rotational role by Mikel Arteta.
The Belgian has started just once in the Premier League this season, against Fulham, in which match he was hooked at half time in favour of Eddie Nketiah.
Generally, though, when called upon this season, Trossard has delivered. In eight outings across all competitions so far, the 28-year-old has chipped in with four goals and one assist.
He came off the bench to great effect against Chelsea on Saturday, scoring the goal to level things up.
Naturally, Trossard will be frustrated that he hasn’t started more Premier League matches for the club since his £27 million January arrival from Brighton. Pundits have questioned how happy the 28-cap Belgium international can possibly be at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta faces Leandro Trossard conundrum
Keeping all of his players happy will be a tough job for Arteta. Given the Gunners will be aiming to seriously compete across all fronts this season, though, he will need to rotate his starting XI regularly as a matter of course.
Kieran Gibbs recognises the difficulty of this situation. The former left-back spent eleven seasons at Arsenal, and often had to compete with Nacho Monreal for a starting spot.
Speaking on ESPN, the 34-year-old said, “I think it’s a tough one with not starting Trossard. Although I think he’s been unreal since he signed. And he’s kind of like the secret weapon at the moment for Arsenal.”
“Martinelli is one of our most dangerous players…But Trossard’s been knocking on the door for a while now. And so I also wouldn’t mind seeing him start in behind Jesus instead of one of the midfielders, especially with the way that Arsenal, more often than not, control games. I like him in those tight areas.”
One of the things Trossard has going for him is his versatility. The £90,000-a-week ace can play in a central role, up front, or on the right flank if required.
All in all, even if he is behind Martinelli in the pecking order, Trossard will still get plenty of football this season.
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