Leandro Trossard has been criticised for his poor performance against Kazakhstanplaceholder image
Leandro Trossard has been criticised for his poor performance against Kazakhstan | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Belgium slipped to a surprise 1-1 draw away against Kazakhstan
Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard has been the subject of media criticism after an underwhelming performance for the Belgium national team during their recent 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan.
The former Brighton playmaker, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season with the Gunners, was selected in Rudi Garcia’s starting lineup for his side’s penultimate World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.
It was expected to be a routine victory for the Red Dragons, who had beaten Kazakhstan 6-0 in September. However, that match was played in front of the home crowd, with Belgium struggling to play with anywhere near the same control at the Astana Arena.
Leandro Trossard struggles to perform in centre forward role
Although primarily a left-winger, Leandro Trossard has proven on occasion that he can do a job as a central striker for both club and country.
He popped up there on several instances during Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’s injury-hit seasons last term, and has at times also played as a No.9 this term following Victor Gyokeres’ recent injury setback.
However, things didn’t go to plan for the 30-year-old on this occasion as he, along with the whole Belgium team, struggled to perform to the levels expected of them.
Belgium went behind through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who managed to squeeze home a shot at Matz Sels' near post. They recovered from a poor half equalise early in the second half when Hans Vanaken headed in Timothy Castagne's cross, but failed to build on a goal which many hoped would be the game’s turning point against a nation ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings. Trossard stayed on the pitch until the 71st minute when he was replaced by Alexis Saelemaekers.
Leandro Trossard’s performance leaves Mikel Arteta with plenty to ponder
Against Kazakhstan , Leandro Trossard created just one chance, built up an expected goals (xG) of 0.37 with two shots while only accurately delivering just 11 per cent of his crosses. He was dispossessed a total of five times and won just 40 percent of his ground duels, according to FotMob.
Football Insider referred to his performance as an ‘absolutely pathetic showing’ in a harsh assessment of the 30-year-old’s performance. WhoScored were slightly more lenient, giving him a match rating of 6.5. However, it’s worth noting that it was the third lowest of any Belgium player on the pitch, with only the centre-backs, Zeno Debast and Arthur Theate scoring lower.
Trossard has had a strong season so far. He has four goals and four assists across all competitions and has performed well in the left-wing position. He’s also scored 11 in 48 caps for Belgium, highlighting his qualities.
However, his struggles as a central forward should leave Mikel Arteta with plenty to ponder heading into derby day. The Gunners are without Victor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz heading into the contest at the Emirates, and will likely decide between either Trossard or Mikel Merino to lead the line.
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