‘Always a pain’: Declan Rice delivers verdict on Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard

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Declan Rice has admitted his surprise at the early and strong relationship he has built up with Leandro Trossard for Arsenal in pre-season.

The former West Ham United player spoke about how Leandro Trossard was a ‘pain’ when he used to play against him in previous seasons.

At that time, Declan Rice was bossing the midfield for the Hammers, whilst Trossard was flying high with Brighton.

Well, now the England international has shared that he has bonded with the Belgian the most since joining the club and how he is ‘such a top player’, as he told Sky Sports.

Back in January, Arsenal paid Brighton £27 million for Trossard’s services (Sky Sports) after the club missed out on the services of Mykhailo Mudryk.

Well, that has since proven to be a blessing in disguise because Trossard has made a brilliant impact at the Emirates, with Rice sharing his thoughts on his new teammate.

“You know what? I think from the first day when I was there, Leandro Trossard,” said Rice.

“You wouldn’t put us two together, I would say, but he’s a really, really top guy. I sat next to him on the plane. I’ve been with him here quite a lot. He’s just an all-round top person.

“I’ve really got on with him and playing against him in the past as well, he was always a pain so it’s nice to have him on my side now.

“He’s such a top player, but I feel like with everyone here, like all of the Brazilian guys, the Portuguese guys, the French guys, like everyone is so top, and from the outside you see Arsenal was like a big family together. And that’s exactly what it is inside the dressing room, which is really good.”

Trossard is underrated

From his three assists against Fulham to his ability to play across the front three, Trossard is an underrated figure in this Arsenal side.

He will now get a full campaign under his belt and he might just prove to be a very, very crucial figure for Mikel Arteta.

Yes, it seems like your Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus will play in front of him, but he is banging on that door from behind to keep the squad as strong as possible.