Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard will be one of those breathing a sigh of relief after Belgium booked their spot in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 with a goalless draw with Ukraine.
Domenico Tedesco’s men have set up a last 16 tie with France, but they are one of a number of nations who will be looking to improve drastically in the near future after just about getting themselves across the line.
A late Ukraine goal would have sent Belgium out, with all four sides in Group E ending their three games on four points. Belgium ultimately finished second due to goals scored.
Romelu Lukaku missed a golden chance for the co-hosts of Euro 2000, while Leandro Trossard arguably missed an opportunity to stamp his authority on a place in the side.
Leandro Trossard criticised as Belgium edge into knockout stages at Euro 2024
The Arsenal man was taken off just after the hour mark in Stuttgart having failed to have a single shot on goal. In fairness, Whoscored shows that only Kevin De Bruyne contributed more key passes than the 29-year-old.
Belgian outlet HLN were not particularly impressed with Trossard’s performance, handing his display a 5/10 rating and suggesting that he was too inconsistent during the game.
“Yo-yo. Alternates good moments with bad ones. Was searching in the beginning, got into the match better and then faded away again. That volatility continued until his substitution,” they wrote.
Arsenal fans may be surprised by forward’s form
It may almost be a little strange for Arsenal fans to see Trossard’s form at Euro 2024 so far, given that he had proved to be such an inspired signing for Mikel Arteta’s side. He has been directly involved in 30 goals in 68 games for the Gunners in all competitions, and that is despite not always being a regular starter.
But he is yet to open his account for goals or assists this summer.
Belgium are now going to have to be at their best as they face France for a place in the quarter-final. Les Bleus have certainly been poor by their own standards, but Belgium have barely looked like reaching top gear either.
Interestingly, it could be Trossard lining up against Arsenal teammate William Saliba in Dusseldorf.