Arsenal star Leandro Trossard has been one of Mikel Arteta’s best-value signings, and his versatility has come in particularly useful recently.
Trossard has played on both wings and as a centre-forward, with the Belgian providing experience and strong goal threat across the attacking line, and he has even filled in as an attacking midfielder.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is now set for a lengthy absence as Arteta confirmed that his ankle injury is a bad one, and his side are short of natural replacements.
Youth sensation Ethan Nwaneri could replace him in midfield, but there are risks given his lack of experience, and Arteta could turn to Trossard in the coming months.
Trossard started in an advanced midfield role in the North London derby victory at Tottenham but delivered a mixed performance, as despite some excellent passes, he struggled to impose himself on the game overall.
However, Trossard has now recreated a skill made iconic by former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, and fans now want to see him deployed in a similar role.
Arsenal fans want Leandro Trossard to play as a number 10 after copying Mesut Ozil skill
A training clip has emerged of Trossard replicating Ozil’s iconic ‘bounce pass,’ where the ball is struck directly into the ground so that it bounces up.
The German provided several outstanding goals and assists using this difficult technique, showing just how skilful Ozil was as a number 10.
With Odegaard now injured, fans are calling for Trossard to start in the midfield in the hope that he can replicate more of Ozil’s genius in the position.
“He’s done it in training before too. Hope we see it in a match,” one fan stated of his skill.
“Ozil will be so proud, football is not dead like people used to say,” another added.
“Trossard for the 10 Role,” a fan demanded.
“He’s probably one of the best technical footballers in the world, I wish I was joking,” a fan stated.
“Ready to make the no.10 role his,” another claimed.
However, performing such a difficult skill in training is different to successfully pulling it off in a high-pressure situation, with Ozil’s most notable bounce finish coming in a thriller against Liverpool.
“Ozil did it on a moving ball in front of goal during actual games in Europe and in the league,” a fan pointed out.
Leandro Trossard can be Martin Odegaard’s replacement
Although Trossard’s pace on the wings has been a concern at times, the Belgian is a supremely skilful player. Whilst his technical ability is not on the level of Odegaard or Ozil, he is still capable of stepping into the midfield as a creative option.
Trossard has thrived as a false nine at times, and if he does come into the midfield again, he can interchange with Kai Havertz in attacking positions.
Whilst Odegaard is injured, Trossard will have the opportunity to start regularly if he impresses, and fans will hope that he can bring a level of creativity to the side which will otherwise be lacking without the captain.
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