Leandro Trossard has been effectively confirmed as the Premier League's ultimate super-sub after his goal in Arsenal's 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club. The Belgian has struggled to become a regular in Mikel Arteta's team and was linked with an Emirates exit this summer. But his contributions off the bench mean the Gunners can ill-afford to sell him.
Arsenal's super subs kickstart Champions League campaign
Trossard swapped Brighton for Arsenal in January 2023 for a fee worth up to £27 million ($37m). Fast forward to the present, and the 30-year-old is often used as an impact player, most recently in Arsenal's win against Athletic Club in their Champions League opener on Tuesday. He was linked with Besiktas earlier this month but in the end, the forward stayed put and extended his Gunners stay until 2027 by signing a new deal.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTrossard is Arsenal's arch substitute
In Arsenal's win in Spain, Trossard came on in the second half and set up Gabriel Martinelli for his team's opener and then scored himself late on. And according to OptaJoe, the Belgium international has been involved in more goals as a substitute than any other Premier League player across all competitions (10 goals and four assists) since January 2023.
Competition for places at Arsenal
Trossard's game time at Arsenal may be increasingly limited this season. The Gunners signed a new attack of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze this summer, and Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are set to return from injury at some point. But a return of 29 goals and 25 assists in 127 games from Trossard is not to be sniffed at.
(C)Getty ImagesWhat next for Trossard and Arsenal?
Trossard has made three substitute appearances for Arsenal this season, where he has one goal and two assists. He will hope to get more game time when the Gunners take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, before travelling to Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.