Ben White Names Leandro Trossard as Arsenal’s Toughest Player to Defend in Training
Arsenal’s defence is used to being up against some of the Premier League’s most deadly forwards week in and week out but, according to right-back Ben White, there’s one teammate that always gives him a headache when they’re on opposite sides in practice.
White opened up about the player who drives him mad in a recent chat with the Men in Blazers crew.
Ben White’s Honest Take on Training Battles
When the question of who the most annoying or toughest Arsenal player is to defend against was asked of him, White didn’t need a lot of time to think.
“Honestly , for me, it’s Leo Trossard,” he said, referring to Leandro Trossard. “He never seems to want to just pass the ball – this guy’s always looking to do something a bit extra. You’ve got to be right on your toes just in case he starts getting fancy & flicking the ball round his feet”
White also highlighted the fact that Trossard is just relentless. The man’s got bags of technical ability and always looks for that extra bit of skill to unlock his defender, whether it’s beating them with a quick change of pace or a bit of magic with the ball at his feet.
Also Read: Manchester City Beat Liverpool — But Arsenal Still 90% Likely to Win Title – Opta
Why Leandro Trossard is Such a Problem for Defenders
Trossard’s ability to create problems all by himself has made him a real asset to Mikel Arteta’s side. He’s one of those players who can play anywhere across the front of the attack – left, right or even through the middle – and that unpredictability makes him such a handful for defenders.
As things stand in the 2025/26 season, Trossard has been pretty consistent. He’s made around 31 appearances, starts in twenty of them. He’s got five goals & been involved in five assists in the Premier League to date , playing a total of 21 matches and averaging a pretty solid rating
Trossard’s got this directness & willingness to take on defenders that’s just spot on for what White describes ‘a player who never settles for the safe option and is always on the hunt for that bit of magic.’
Trossard Plays a Key Role in Arsenal’s Title Bid
Even when the full squad is on the pitch, Trossard hasn’t always been the go to man . Despite that however, his importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated due to the Gunners having a real strength in depth in their squad. Its been an injury plagued term for Arsenal with key players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz both missing time, but they’ve still managed to stay right in the mix.
As of mid February 2026, things are looking good for the Gunners as they sit at the top of the Premier League table with a respectable 56 points from 25 games (17 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses). Theyre a +32 goal difference to boot and are just ahead of Manchester City in what is shaping up to be a right old title battle.
Trossard has been making a real difference to the team no matter whether he starts or comes on as a sub. If Arsenal do go on to lift their first league title since 2004, its possible that Trossard could be the one remembered as one of the real unsung heroes of the season.
Looking Ahead: Arsenal’s upcoming test at Brentford
Up next for Arsenal is a tricky trip to Brentford, a match that the Gunners will be desperate to win in order to keep themselves at the very top of the table. The likes of Trossard will be itching to make a big impact and earn 3 points for the team.
White’s comments are a great example of just how strong the talent pool is at Arsenal – the competition in training is fierce and even players like Trossard are finding themselves having to keep up . its this kind of internal competition that could well prove to be the decisive factor as the season enters its make or break phase.
Also Read: Mikel Arteta Reacts to Liverpool vs Man City Clash After Arsenal Extend 9 Points Lead
Ben White Names Leandro Trossard as Arsenal’s Toughest Player to Defend in Training