MY ACCOUNT
Leandro Trossard is in sensational form — and Brighton’s brilliant Belgian is attracting plenty of suitors.
The winger got new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s reign off to an impressive start earlier this month when he netted a stunning hat-trick in the South Coast side’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
That result at Anfield placed the 27-year-old firmly in the spotlight, with reports suggesting that the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in securing his services.
Ahead of Brighton’s clash with Brentford tonight, we take a look at Trossard’s qualities and assess what the future has in store for the Seagulls’ No11.
European quality
Brighton boss De Zerbi has already heaped praise on his star man, claiming Trossard is good enough to play for a team in the Champions League.
He said: “I don’t like to set the number of goals [for Trossard]. Because, for example, if we set 12 goals and he’s scored 12 already by March, then we have to raise it again.
“Trossard is a very, very big player. He could play in every single top club. That doesn’t mean that Brighton isn’t a top club, but for sure he could play in Europe in the Champions League, for example.
“He doesn’t have to think that with me it will never happen. It’s a very important game for him, because to score a hat-trick at Liverpool isn’t usual and I want to see that he has the proper attitude.”
Bagging for Brighton
Trossard is Brighton’s top scorer with five goals from his eight league appearances so far — just ahead of Alexis Mac Allister, who has four.
However, unlike his team-mate, all five of Trossard’s strikes have come from open play.
In fact, the only two Premier League players to have registered more open-play goals are Manchester City pair Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
Furthermore, Trossard has been exceptionally clinical, with all his successful efforts coming from big chances, missing just one.
The forward’s excellent movement has earned him those high-quality opportunities — and he is developing a valuable habit of putting them away.
Threading the needle
Trossard is not solely focused on his goal tally, however.
In fact, he ranks joint-first in the Premier League for through-balls attempted (eight), level with another City player and international compatriot Kevin De Bruyne.
The Citizens’ No17 (five) and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (four) are the only two players in the division who have completed more through-balls than Trossard’s three.
Those numbers demonstrate the Brighton man’s varied movement — attacking the box to score but also dropping off to play forward runners in behind.
Tussling for the ball
If Trossard’s goalscoring and creative talents were not enough, the Belgian is prepared to graft off the ball as well.
He has won possession in the attacking third eight times this season — only nine players in the division can boast a higher total.
Far from being a luxury asset, the 21-cap international would slot seamlessly into any high-pressing side if they are looking for a forward with a goal threat, creativity and commendable work-rate.
On the move?
Brighton’s only concern with Trossard is the length of time remaining on his contract.
His current deal is up at the end of this season, though the Seagulls have the option of an additional year.
That does not leave the club in a particularly strong negotiating position — and if the attacker continues to impress in this vein, a club with more financial muscle may make a move sooner rather than later.
