Leandro Trossard to be a rotation option for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka

Arsenal bagged their first silverware of the season, overcoming Manchester City in penalties to win the Community Shield.

The Gunners were trailing before substitute Leandro Trossard scored off a deflected shot in stoppage time to level the scores. Mikel Arteta’s men then went on to win 4-1 in the subsequent penalty shootout.

Trossard’s impact on the side has resulted in calls for him to start in the Premier League in the absence of an injured Gabriel Jesus or even to replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left. Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is of the view that the Belgian will be a good option to rotate both with Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

In this article:

• Expect Martinelli To Go From Strength To Strength
• Jakub Kiwior Will Get His Chances
• Jurrien Timber Is A Blessing For The Manager

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Expect Martinelli To Go From Strength To Strength

Despite Trossard’s impressive form, Silvestre doesn’t see the Belgian replacing Gabriel Martinelli on the left.

Silvestre expects the Brazilian forward to maintain his spot and go from strength to strength on the back of an exceptional season.

“I would expect Gabriel Martinelli to maintain his position and go from strength to strength compared to last season. Last season already was exceptional.”

The former French international, however, sees Trossard as a very strong rotation option for both Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

“But looking at it from the squad’s perspective, Leandro Trossard can rotate with Martinelli in those wide positions, also with Saka on the other side.

“You need to give them a rest sometimes. Two of them with full potential.”

“Yeah, it’s a good set of players on the left-hand side for Arsenal’s forward line.”

Jakub Kiwior Will Get His Chances

Silvestre also spoke about Polish defender Jakub Kiwior and the chances he’ll be able to get. The four-time Premier League winner doesn’t see Kiwior displacing Gabriel Magalhaes or William Saliba but believes the opportunities will be there as the Gunners will be competing in four different competitions, including the Champions League, and playing a lot of games where rotation will be necessary.

“Kiwior has to continue pushing because he’s done well when he came up towards the end of the season.”

“I would still expect Gabriel and Saliba to partner. The one thing with CBs is you don’t normally rotate them too much, so his game time won’t be huge, but again, suspensions, injuries, you have to be ready.”

“So, I think Kiwior will play enough and have opportunities because of the amount of games.”

Jurrien Timber Is A Blessing For The Manager

Silvestre was full of praise for Jurrien Timber, who was a strong performer in the Gunners’ Community Shield win.

Silvestre complimented Timber’s versatility, calling him a blessing for Arteta.

“He has the attributes to play across the back four which is a blessing for the manager, and for him, it means more game as there will be someone underperforming or they’ll need a rest. He can jump in and play.”

“He’s a real modern defender, which is rare to be able to play across the back four.”

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