**Mikel Arteta**gave praise to Leandro Trossard in his first press conference of the new year.
The Belgian was a player whom many expected to leave **Arsenal**this summer and make way for a top class left winger. However, he has responded to those doubts, striking up a strong relationship with Riccardo Calafiori and one of the better synergies with Viktor Gyokeres across the team’s attack.
Above all, he remains the sharp shooter that set him apart as a ‘super sub’ for large stretches of his time in North London since his move from **Brighton**in January 2023. Having increased his pay packet with the Gunners in the summer, Trossard is rewarding the faith of the club emphatically.
“I think he's been very consistent, very stable but as have all of the front players, I would say because they have contributed through the season so far in a great way, whether it's starting or whether as an impact player as well. So, that's what we need. Wherever we put them, they will bring different qualities to the team but I think they're in a great moment.
“[They need to] want to start but as well fulfilling their role when they have to come in in an extraordinary way. That's something that we have improved a lot so every time we bring in players on the pitch they're really deciding the games. That's what we need.
“I think he's gone up a level every season. He's such an intelligent player, he's a player that really wants it, he's found his role, he’s found his maturity here and then I think his confidence level is higher, he's a player that can create magic moments and a very important player for us.
“We are very happy with him, he knows that we talked about it many times and I think he's very happy here as well.”