New Arsenal signing Leandro Trossard has explained his preferred position ahead of a potential debut against Manchester United this weekend. The Belgian was announced as a new addition to the squad on Friday afternoon, signing from Brighton for an initial £21million, with add-ons included.
With a huge clash against Manchester United at the weekend, it remains to be seen if he was registered in time, with the deadline for registration set at 12pm on the Friday. As part of his announcement, Arsenal had written: "All documents have been submitted and we’re hoping Leandro will be eligible for selection for our match against Manchester United on Sunday."
Manager Mikel Arteta seemed confident that the 28-year-old would be involved ahead of the clash: "Yes I think it is, I think he’s good to go. We are really happy to have him. He’s a player we followed for a while. The opportunity came and we had the necessity for a player in the front line who is versatile enough to play different positions. He knows the league, he has enough experience here and I think he can have an immediate impact on the team.""
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Should Trossard be selected to face Manchester United in a clash at the top of the table, the versatile forward may have hinted at his preferred position. He told the official club website: "I like to be in the pocket behind the striker. On the wings, I can explore myself as well. I’m comfortable in either of those positions but if I were to choose, behind the striker - but it all depends on the system."
That more central role as a second striker could see him take advantage of a key weakness for United in the match - is the gap between the midfield and defence. Summer signing Casemiro has been instrumental in how the side have improved this season under Erik ten Hag, offering plenty on the ball with his progression in receiving the ball at the back to his off the ball work and the gaps he plugs - similar to Thomas Partey's role for Arteta.
However, the Brazilian is now suspended for the match after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season just before the deadline cut off for the bar to be raised to 10 bookings. His absence may be sorely felt, especially if the new man Trossard is playing in the gaps left by a lack of a Casemiro-shaped figure in the middle.
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