Leandro Trossard is happy with how quickly he has made an impression while wearing an Arsenal jersey and is confident in his new team’s chances of winning the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s team added Belgian attacker Trossard in January after the player impressed throughout the first half of the season while playing for Brighton and Hove Albion, netting seven goals in 16 league games.
Trossard has only scored once but has contributed six assists in just 10 league games since joining the league leaders, helping Arsenal re-establish an eight-point advantage over second-place Manchester City.
And the former Brighton player was taken aback by how swiftly he adjusted.
“I maybe didn’t expect to make that many minutes, but injuries helped me a bit. I’m however more than convinced of my own capabilities,” Trossard said, speaking at a national team press conference on Wednesday.
“I arrived in a great group, filled with great players. That also makes it easier for new players to adapt and reach their levels.
“It was a very busy and weird period for me, but I’m very happy that I have been able to join Arsenal. I think it’s been a great step for me.
“We all know how difficult it is to win the league, looking at Man City and Liverpool in recent years, but I think we have a great squad and that we have proven time and time again that we’re doing well.
“There are 10 matches left, we’ll see where we end once the season finishes.”
Although fellow attacker and former captain Eden Hazard announced his retirement, the 28-year-old is expected to play a significant role for Belgium.
Kevin De Bruyne of City has been given the captain’s armband, and Trossard is optimistic the midfielder and new head coach Domenico Tedesco will make the difference as Belgium attempts to bounce back from its 2022 World Cup group-stage elimination.
“[De Bruyne] has a lot of experience at the highest level,” Trossard said. “He knows everybody here, since he’s been here for a while already.
“A lot of the younger guys look up to him – I think that’s a really big advantage for a national team captain if people look up to you.
“We have a new manager, a new staff, and I’m excited to make this new start as well.
“We’re looking sharp, everybody wants to prove themselves. We also have a lot of youngsters, there’s a lot of renewed competition, and it’s clear everybody wants to give it their all.”
