Leandro Trossard Celebrating A Goal For Arsenal
Leandro Trossard has been nothing short of sensational this season — but perhaps the most surprising person in the world right now is the man who coached him years ago.
Peter Maes, the former Genk boss who oversaw Trossard’s early development, admits he can hardly believe the transformation.
Why? Because the player Arsenal fans now hail as calm, reliable and incredibly decisive was once… a serial sulker.
With Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Trossard has owned Arsenal’s left flank with confidence and consistency. In 14 matches across competitions, he has delivered four goals and four assists — numbers that have directly earned the Gunners crucial Premier League points, including his match-winning strike against Fulham.
Inside the club, coaches routinely praise his level-headedness. They call him a player who shuts out noise, focuses on work, and stays locked in mentally — a far cry from the player Maes once struggled to manage.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg, Maes shared his honest surprise:
“At that time, I didn’t immediately see Leandro as a true captain… he wasn’t a regular starter yet, and he often sulked in training.”
But fast-forward to 2024, and he sees a completely different man.
“It’s true that Leandro is a strong personality now. He believes in himself deeply and can convey that belief to others.”
With Belgium missing key leaders like Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, Trossard is even being considered for the national team captaincy. That’s how far he’s come.
Roma tried.
Fenerbahce asked questions.
Saudi clubs — as usual — hovered.
But Mikel Arteta didn’t blink. He wasn’t selling.
Trossard’s versatility across the front line, combined with his leadership maturity, makes him invaluable in a squad competing on four fronts.
Fresh off scoring in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Athletic Club, Trossard explained why he thrives in pressure moments:
“Those games are why you want to become a footballer… I love the big games. We’ve been so close to winning something — it’s time to push for trophies.”
That hunger is precisely what Arsenal fans want to hear.
From a moody teenager who didn’t like being benched…
To a Premier League match-winner…
To a potential Belgium captain…
Leandro Trossard’s evolution is one of football’s most underrated glow-ups — and Arsenal are reaping every bit of the reward.
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