Interview

Leo on versatility and earliest Arsenal memories

Leo ICS

Whether deployed on the left wing or in a more central role, Leandro Trossard’s versatility has helped him enjoy a positive start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Thanks to his grandfather teaching him to be a two-footed player, Leo is equally capable on the left or the right.

“When some people get injured or even when the manager wants to play a different system, he can always use me in different positions,” he explained. “That’s the advantage for me. Also I’m two footed, I don’t mind playing on the left or the right, so that’s the biggest advantage I have.

“My grandfather was the one always telling me that it’s so important to be able to play with both feet. He taught me a lot and it pays off now on the pitch.”

Leo’s goal against Aston Villa in August, scored after coming off the bench, demonstrated the impact he’s able to have on games even if he isn’t named in the starting XI.

“I try to change the game, be impactful and help the team to score goals, to get it over the line and get the three points,” he said.

“I always try to follow the game. It’s a bit different in the first half and the second half because players get tired, but I try to watch it and see where weaknesses are and try to exploit them when I come on.

“That’s what you do it for, to come on the pitch, hear people sing your name and if you can give back by scoring goals it’s a perfect match. I’m really grateful for them shouting and singing my name. Hopefully it can carry on for a long time.”

In terms of his earliest Arsenal memories, Leo recalls his awareness of Thierry Henry, who he would go on to play under for Belgium.

“I didn’t watch many games when I was young,” he said. “The only thing I knew about Arsenal were the legends like Thierry Henry, Bergkamp and so on. The team they had, the Invincible year, that’s what I remember the most.

“Everyone knows what a player Thierry was. With the national team, he tried to help the strikers and attacking players to get in the right positions. That’s what he taught me the most.”

As for his finishing technique, Leo says the secret to his success is simply hard work and putting in the hours of practice.

“It’s always been one of my qualities,” he said. “I’ve always loved scoring goals. I practiced from a young age with finishing exercises. Even now after every training session, I want to practice, and that gives me the advantage on the pitch. In front of goal I try to stay as composed as possible. That’s also something that I’ve had from a young age.”