Football

Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal attacker who is ‘especially composed in the final third’

January 26, 2023 10:00 am
Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal attacker who is ‘especially composed in the final third’

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on new Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard, saying the Belgian is “especially composed in the final third.”

The manager’s comments, as reported by the Arsenal website, come after the winger played a key role in the club’s match-winning goal against Manchester United on Sunday, with Trossard heavily involved in the build-up for Eddie Nketiah’s strike.

The winger, who joined Arteta’s side from Brighton earlier this month, had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes before the vital contribution, having entered the fray from the bench late on in the game.

Arteta praises Trossard’s ‘beautiful impact’

The victory saw Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with the Gunners currently on 50 points, five ahead of Manchester City in second.

Looking back on Trossard’s key moment on Sunday, Arteta said: “That’s what I like. I see a player that is willing to make things happen and he is especially composed in the final third and is something we needed to add to the team.

“Straight away he had a beautiful impact on the team to help us to win.”

Young defender ‘going to strengthen’ the Gunners

Also arriving at the Emirates this month was Poland international Jakub Kiwior, who has joined the Gunners on a long-term deal. The 22-year-old arrived from Serie A club Spezia, where he had made 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

Lining out for the Italian side at centre-back, defensive midfield and even at left midfield at times, Kiwior’s versatility will undoubtedly help the Gunners. It is, however, unsurprisingly the youngster’s prowess at centre-back which is of the most importance to Arteta.

Regular central defenders Gabriel and William Saliba have barely been given a minute’s rest this season, with Arteta rarely opting for third-choice centre-back Rob Holding.

Gabriel has played the most minutes for the club this season, with Saliba in the top five, alongside Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

“We’ve been with three central defenders for the first part of the season which is very short, and we’ve been lucky with injuries,” said Arteta. “We needed to recruit in that position and we’ve done it. Jakub plays different roles and is a versatile player, and he’s going to strengthen the team.”

Arteta

Arteta preparing for crucial period

Arsenal may have shown their title credentials with the recent victory over Man United, but it may just be their upcoming group of fixtures that decides their success this season.

Arteta takes his side to the Etihad on Friday evening for an FA Cup fourth round tie, with the two clubs then coming together in the Premier League in the middle of February.

The Gunners also have league meetings with Everton, Brentford, Aston Villa and Leicester in what is a crucial period for Arteta and his players.

While the manager has built a strong squad at the Emirates, he hasn’t ruled out further signatures this month in order to deal with such a hectic schedule, with one area of particular worry for the Spaniard.

“We need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can, but in this market, it is pretty complicated to do that,” added Arteta.

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