In the heat of a title run-in, Trossard has proven to be a reliable source for decisive contributions just like a former Arsenal wide man
: Getty Images/Stu Forster
He does not have the red streak in his hair, and he does not possess the cheekbones of a Calvin Klein model, but in so many other ways Leandro Trossard is proving himself to be Freddie Ljungberg reborn for Arsenal.
This year’s title charge for Mikel Arteta’s side has been built on collective strength, defensive solidity and, to an increasingly significant extent, the goals of Trossard. He is delivering with startling frequency at this decisive moment of the campaign, just as Ljungberg did for Arsenal in their run to the 2002 title.
In his last seven Premier League games, going back to early April, Trossard has scored five goals, including the crucial winner against Manchester United on Sunday. In his last six league appearances from April to May 2002, Ljungberg scored six goals.
These are remarkable echoes of club history, not least because the two players are so similar in their standing and positioning.
Neither Trossard nor Ljungberg are regarded as the main attackers of their respective teams. Trossard will never be as feared by opposition defenders as Bukayo Saka, just as Ljungberg was never as terrifying as Thierry Henry. But every title-chasing team needs a player like this, a forward who can provide crucial interventions when the other stars are not shining.
There are even similarities between the nature of the goals scored by the two forwards. So many of Ljungberg’s strikes in that incredible spring of 2002 came at the end of surging runs from the left wing, just like Trossard’s run from the left to convert Kai Havertz’s cross at Old Trafford.
Kai Havertz skips around Jonny Evans with ease and puts it on a plate for Leandro Trossard ????️????The pre-assist from Ben White isn't too bad, either!Watch | https://t.co/njzsDz8iuz pic.twitter/WoCfoD0z11
: EPA/Nicolas Asfouri
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