Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Leandro Trossard

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke fondly about Leandro Trossard following the club’s 4-1 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Belgium international joined the Gunners from Brighton & Hove Albion in January and he has proved a terrific acquisition with several goal contributions.

The 28-year-old has registered one goal and seven assists thus far – one of those came against the Whites today.

Trossard has been known for his terrific ball control in tight spaces and he provided a sublime pass across goal for Gabriel Jesus to make it 3-0 for the Gunners.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about Trossard’s quality and he said that the Gunners are ‘really pleased’ with how he has taken responsibility in games.

He told Arsenal.com: “Seriously, we knew about his quality and what he could bring to the team.”

“We are really pleased with him, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play as an attacking midfielder, as a nine, a false nine.

“He’s really contributing to the team and he really takes a lot of responsibility in games to make things happen and we love that.”

Trossard started on the right wing against Leeds with Bukayo Saka not fit enough to make the starting line-up.

The Belgian had 55 touches while completing 83% of his passes. He also completed 100 % of his crosses while providing three key passes.

The €30 million-rated star also managed two interceptions. Overall, it was another impressive showing from the club’s January signing.

The big question now is whether he will be in the starting line-up for next weekend’s crucial Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Trossard has five goals and an assist in his seven meetings against the Reds and Arteta could be tempted to pick him in the starting XI again.

With Gabriel Jesus firing again after his knee surgery, Gabriel Martinelli could be the likely candidate to drop to the bench if Trossard starts.

Stats from Sofascore.com and Transfermarkt.com