Leandro Trossard shows his true colours with brutally honest take on Arsenal headache

Leandro Trossard reckons the fierce competition at Arsenalhas taken his performances to new heights. The Gunners splashed out £183.5million on fresh attacking talent in the summer window, yet the 30-year-old winger has still bagged himself a crucial role in Mikel Arteta's side.

Trossard, who penned a bumper new contract at the Emirates Stadium in August, has appeared seven times across all competitions this campaign, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Playing a pivotal role, the Belgium international has contributed to Arsenal's fresh assault on the Premier League title.

Despite fierce competition from Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke for that coveted left-wing berth, he's proved he is worth his weight in gold. Most players would have felt deflated seeing their boss recruit a direct competitor for game time, but Trossard has relished the battle.

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Speaking to before this weekend's encounter with West Ham, the Belgian explained his mindset. Trossard said: "[It gives me] confidence, also happiness.

"I would say it's a nice reward. I would say if you give something to the team, to the manager, you get the reward after that as well. That's confidence you have to take with on the pitch. I think I'm in a good spot at the moment, and I hope I can give a lot more to the team."

Discussing the competition for playing time and squad depth at Arsenal, Trossard said: "Obviously if you know there's a lot of quality waiting on the sideline to come in and show themselves as well, it pushes you to certain limits as well, I would say.

"But, I would say we have a really good group and understanding, as well. Everyone one can play, everyone has the quality to play.

"You have seen, I think the last five games, someone who came off the bench has scored a goal or provided an assist, and that's what we need basically, because there are so many games at the moment and every game is tough - whether it's the Champions League, Premier League or cup, so we need that."

Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, Arteta revealed his plans regarding squad rotation. The Arsenal boss said: "With the schedule that we have, we have to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday.

"So the last time we played three games in seven days is a while ago. Some of the players haven't played, ever, three games in seven days. So we need to manage that because they come from a period of a lot of load.

"We had two very, very high games. So if the schedule continues like that and they don't give us an extra day, we're going to have to do that, yes."

Arteta added: "I think it's been clicking for a while. If it clicks means to win it, then hopefully it is the year..."

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