Ray Parlour has now told one Arsenal player that their goal-scoring has become just as vital as Freddie Ljungberg back in the day.
Of course, Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates today as their league campaign draws to a close, and there’s still hope of lifting the Premier League title.
Regardless of what happens, Mikel Arteta will be able to reflect on a remarkable campaign, when several of his players stepped up.
The Arsenal boss rightfully explained that his side had made ‘history’ rather than ‘progress’ recently, in reference to having already achieved their most wins in a league season.
And although the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz will be credited for making a big difference this campaign, which they have, there have been some understated contributions.
Perhaps none more so than Leandro Trossard’s efforts on the left wing, who has displaced a brilliant talent in Gabriel Martinelli.
The £27m-winger has now contributed 17 goals in all competitions this season, a huge improvement on the eight he delivered last.
Ray Parlour says Leandro Trossard now reminds him of Freddie Ljungberg at Arsenal
Writing in The Athletic, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has been reflecting on the season, penning a letter of praise to the class of 2023-24.
And amid his accolade, Parlour said that Trossard’s goal-scoring now reminds him of Ljungberg back in the day, a player who pops up at crucial moments.
Of course, Trossard recently scored Arsenal’s vital winner at Old Trafford, an experienced head for such an occasion.
Praising the Belgian, Parlour said: “I have to mention Leandro Trossard. I am so pleased Mykhailo Mudryk went to Chelsea, otherwise we wouldn’t have got you.
“You have scored such vital goals — it reminds me of how Freddie Ljungberg would pop up and bang! Those players are so vital. You have stepped up so well.”
It is still surprising to this day that Trossard has been able to earn a regular start ahead of Martinelli, but he’s simply too good to leave out right now.
Martinelli has endured a frustrating season by his standards, one slightly blighted by injury – and he’ll be looking to improve next campaign.
But as Arteta and his team prepare to face Everton today, Trossard’s name will surely be one of the first on the Arsenal team sheet.
All that being said, Gabriel Magalhaes has just admitted that one Arsenal teammate has really shocked him this season.