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Pundit heaps praise on Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard

By Ritayan Chatterjee on January 16, 2026

Former forward turned pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has heaped praise on Arsenal star Leandro Trossard.

After moving to the Emirates Stadium from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023, the Belgian initially played as a rotational option under Mikel Arteta.

However, Gabriel Martinelli’s recent dip in form, coupled with the 30-year-old’s impressive performances, has forced the Spanish boss to play him regularly.

In 25 appearances across all competitions, the forward has scored seven goals and registered six assists thus far this season.

Now, Hasselbaink says that (via Metro), he thought ahead of this season that the Gunners would need a new left-winger to become a Premier League champion this season. However, Trossard has surprised the former striker with his consistently excellent displays.

Hasselbaink said:

“With all due respect to Leandro Trossard I am surprised. 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.”

Pundit lauds Trossard

Arsenal rewarded Trossard’s recent eye-catching performances with a salary hike but didn’t extend his deal beyond 2027. With the player set to turn 32 later this year, it appears the Gunners aren’t planning to hand him a long-term deal.

Meaning, Arsenal might look to sign a new left-winger next summer, with Martinelli struggling to showcase his best in the Premier League despite displaying his productivity in the cup competitions.

Kenan Yildiz has been heavily linked with a move; moreover, Rafael Leao has also been mentioned as a potential option. Therefore, it is going to be interesting to see what the North London club eventually decide to do on the left flank next summer.

Meanwhile, following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in midweek, Arsenal will take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League tomorrow before facing off against Inter Milan in the Champions League next week.