Versatile Trossard deserves chance of permanent role at Arsenal

Leandro Trossard's recent form for Arsenal may have made him undroppable. 

The Belgian has struggled to get regular starts since signing for the Gunners but four goals in his last five Premier League games have changed the narrative. 

Ahead of the away leg of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 clash with Porto, we examine Trossard's recent performances. 

Richards praise

After the win over Burnley at the weekend, Micah Richards highlighted Trossard's contribution for Arsenal. 

He said: "You know who's been key for them with important goals, Trossard. 

"He probably doesn’t get in the starting XI when everyone is fit.

"When [Gabriel] Jesus is fit, [Gabriel] Martinelli's playing well and [Bukayo] Saka's playing the way he is now. 

"But he just brings something different to that team. His runs in behind, coming to the ball to link up and in front of goal. He's very clinical.

"When he was at Brighton, we all knew he was a good player, but he's fitted in at Arsenal straight away.

"To have that from the bench has been outstanding for them and when he starts he scores as well so it's brilliant."

Versatility highlighted

Of Trossard's 29 appearances for Arsenal this season, only 14 have been starts, with the other 15 coming from off the bench. 

His record of 10 goals and two assists is therefore an impressive one, particularly as he can never be sure in which position he will be lining up in. 

While the majority of the former Brighton star's games have come on the left wing, he has also been used as an attacking midfielder and a striker this season. 

Trossard's recent scoring run in the Premier League have highlighted this versatility. 

He found the net in a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, in which he started the game on the left of Arsenal's front three. 

Next came two substitute appearances as a winger in the victories over Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, where Trossard completed the scoring in a 3-1 win. 

In his last two matches, he has started as a striker and played a major role in two dominant away victories. 

Trossard scored in both the 6-0 thrashing of West Ham and the 5-0 win at Burnley, where his all-round contribution extended far beyond his goals. 

Chaos theory

Earlier this season, Trossard spoke about the challenges of playing in different positions. 

He said: "I always need to be switched on to be honest. I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything. 

"If you put me as a striker, or a winger or a No10, I will always play my game I think.

"He [Arteta] knows I like to swap positions as well during the game. We have those type of players as well and it creates a bit of chaos for the opposition team."

In the wins against West Ham and Burnley, Trossard was able to switch from his striker role, allowing Martinelli to cut in from the left and Havertz to roam forward from midfield. 

Playing in a central attacking position, he not only scored but also made those around him better. 

With Jesus and Eddie Nketiah having failed to convince this season, Trossard deserves the chance to establish himself as Arsenal's striker.