Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink admits he has been proved wrong by an Arsenal star who he believed needed to be replaced in the summer.
Ahead of a season which is promising to be not only successful for historic for Arsenal, Hasselbaink saw Leandro Trossard as a slight weak link in the Gunners team.
Following a subdued first six months at the Emirates Stadium, in which he scored just once in 22 appearances, Trossard has established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Trossard, who joined Arsenal in a £27m deal from Brighton in 2023, scored 17 goals across the 2023-24 season and reached double figures again last term.
The Belgium international is on course for a similarly productive campaign, having already netted seven goals in all competitions.
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Even when not scoring Trossard has proved to be an invaluable player for Arteta, with his strong work ethic and ability off the ball even ensuring Gabriel Martinelli has seen his game-time reduced.
Ex-Premier League striker Hasselbaink insists he has been ‘surprised’ by Trossard’s form this season and admits he was wrong to think he was a player Arteta should be trying to replace.
‘With all due respect to Leandro Trossard I am surprised,’ Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports before Arsenal’s 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea.
‘I thought at the start of season that they needed something better in that position but he’s done a hell of a job. He’s filled that spot really, really well.
‘He’s scored some seriously important goals at important times. He’s surprising me and you can only say well done to him.
‘I didn’t think he had it in him but he’s doing it week in, week out now. He’s playing in front of Gabriel Martinelli too and I didn’t think that would happen.’
Trossard started Arsenal’s cup clash against Chelsea on Wednesday before being replaced by Martinelli for the final 25 minutes.
Arsenal will boast a one-goal advantage ahead of the second leg as they look to reach the Carabao Cup final, where they would meet either Manchester City or holders Newcastle United.
Assessing his side’s advantage in the tie, Gunners boss Arteta said: ‘It’s only half-time but I’m very proud of what the team has done.
‘We played against a really good side at a really difficult place. You want to start to play semi-finals and all the work you’ve done throughout the season to get to these stages to deliver on the day and we’ve certainly done that.’
Arsenal’s focus now returns to their Premier League title charge and a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Gunners, bidding to win the league title for the first time since 2004, boast a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
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