Arsenal star Leandro Trossard had a point to prove when Belgium faced Italy in the Nations League.
The 29-year-old is a really talented player. He has been outstanding for the Gunners since he joined them back in January 2023.
However, despite his talent, versatility and experience, Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco dropped him during September’s international break.
Trossard was recalled for October’s games, and the Belgian started against Italy in Rome. He was very, very good.
Belgium’s media hail Arsenal star Leandro Trossard
It is no secret that Trossard is not a happy man when he is not playing.
The former Brighton star is more than good enough to play every game, but he is often snubbed in favour of Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal.
After a difficult Euro 2024, Tedesco left Trossard out of his squad in September and we’re sure that would’ve angered the Arsenal man.
Trossard got his chance against Italy on Thursday night. He started on the left flank and showed some good touches early on, but it was in the more central areas that he came to life.
The 29-year-old picked up an assist after being involved in a very clever free-kick routine that led to Maxim De Cuyper’s goal.
Then, the Belgian got the better of his Arsenal teammate Riccardo Calafiori to score the equaliser in the second half. That saved the game for the Red Devils.
Wallfoot gave Trossard a 6.5/10 rating, the joint highest among all the players who played against Italy. They wrote: “You’re talking about a return. A true outcast after his completely failed Euro, here he is back with, in fact, man of the match statistics – one assist, one goal.
“Some good actions too, like the sharp pass towards De Ketelaere in the phase which brings the corner to 2-0.”
Voetbal Primeur also gave him a 6.5/10 rating and said: “In the run-up to the match against the Italians, Trossard was labelled as the man who had to do it.
“The Arsenal player showed too little for a long time, but through some provocative behaviour, he showed a certain grit, which the Red Devils needed. He made it 2-2, saving another point.”
Trossard played in two positions vs Italy
Trossard is as versatile as they come.
The Arsenal star can play anywhere across the front three, in a number 10 role and also as an attack-minded number eight. He is a brilliant player to watch.
Trossard started the game as a left winger, but he was moved to a more central role after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card.
We must say, Trossard looks so much more effective as a number 10, when he is given the freedom he needs to go wherever he wants.
That is, in our opinion, where he is at his best.
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