Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard produced a man-of-the-match performance for Belgium during their 5-1 win over New Zealand at the World Cup.
Belgium made a dismal start to the group stage with draws against Egypt and Iran. They desperately needed a win over New Zealand to avoid a surprise exit.
The Red Devils provided a perfect response with a 5-1 victory on Friday. Trossard was the standout performer. He scored the first two goals for his country.
The 31-year-old also hit the woodwork before his opener. Trossard likewise created four chances for his teammates and could have had an assist on another day.
Shortly after the game, the Arsenal attacker was praised by the Belgian press. The popular outlet Het Nieuwsblad said that it was his ‘best international match ever’ and he was ‘magnificent’.
They wrote: “His best international match ever. Scored two opportunistic goals. Hit the post as well. Now he was truly ‘Magnificent’, Mr. Garcia.”
Meanwhile, Standaard highlighted that Trossard was the ‘absolute standout’ and noted that he has been a valued asset at Arsenal for years.
The outlet published: “Only one absolute standout. Leandro Trossard is now 31 and has been a valued asset at Arsenal for years. But despite his extraordinary qualities around the attacking penalty area – he is a player who rarely loses the ball, possesses high speed of execution, and knows where the goal is.”
Trossard has started every World Cup game for Belgium this summer. There were questions raised over his inclusion in the XI against Egypt, given that he has not been in good scoring form this year.
The experienced ace created three chances against the African heavyweights and went on to provide six key passes against Iran despite another draw. He finally answered his critics with a brace yesterday.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has publicly backed Trossard, and the winger certainly repaid his faith.
The Red Devils could now face one of Senegal, South Korea, Austria or Algeria in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, Trossard’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with the club eyeing two left-wingers.
His current contract expires in June next year. Besiktas and Bournemouth are frontrunners to land his signature. There is also interest from newly promoted Saudi Pro League club Al-Diraiyah.
There could be more interest from elsewhere if he continues to shine at the World Cup.
Stats from Sofascore.com