Understanding Player Impact: A Tactical Look at Arsenal’s Ben White and Brighton’s Leandro Trossard
Modern football is defined not just by collective tactics, but also by the nuanced roles of individual players. In this analytical feature, we explore two standout tactical stories from the Premier League: Ben White’s evolution in Arsenal’s defense and Leandro Trossard’s remarkable two-footedness at Brighton. These insights reveal how player adaptability drives team success.
Ben White’s Influence as an Inverted Right-Back
Ben White has become an essential part of Arsenal’s transformation into a leading Premier League side during the 2022-23 season. Operating at right-back, White showcases his technical skill and ability to excel in high-pressure offensive areas. By integrating into advanced positions, not only does he support combinations with key teammates like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, but he also amplifies Arsenal’s attacking threat on the right flank.
One of the standout moments of White’s tactical importance came during Arsenal’s decisive victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Facing a Tottenham side defending in a 5-4-1 shape, the Gunners exploited the opposition’s attempts to double-mark Saka. With Son Heung-Min often drawn toward Saka, White found himself in acres of space near the edge of the penalty area. He repeatedly leveraged this position to orchestrate dangerous scoring opportunities—including a key play that led to Thomas Partey’s opening goal. This tactical pattern persisted, with White frequently available in advanced zones, challenging Tottenham’s defensive organization.
Arsenal’s fluid use of White in the right-back and half-space roles forced Tottenham to continually readjust. When White overlapped Saka, he attracted defenders and created room for Gabriel Jesus and other forwards. In the second half, White’s timely runs and positional awareness contributed to Arsenal’s second goal, as Saka cut inside and Jesus was on hand to finish from close range. White’s subtle off-the-ball movement repeatedly unsettled Spurs, creating chances through overloads and slick passing triangles on the right.
Beyond his attacking contribution, White remains defensively robust. Following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s example at right-back, White consistently posts impressive defensive numbers. His command in one-on-one duels and aerial contests reinforces Arsenal’s solidity, especially during quick transitions. Additionally, operating in an “inverted fullback” role means White is poised to counter-press effectively when possession is lost, allowing Arsenal to neutralize threats in central areas swiftly.
In sum, Ben White’s role this season epitomizes the modern right-back: not just a wide defender, but a strategic playmaker whose positioning and decision-making open new tactical dimensions for his team.
Leandro Trossard: Mastering Chance Creation With Both Feet
Leandro Trossard’s technical ability distinguishes him among Premier League attackers, but what truly sets him apart is his deceptive two-footedness. Officially right-footed, Trossard’s knack for using his left foot to score and create has repeatedly fooled defenders and goalkeepers alike.
During Roberto De Zerbi’s inaugural match as Brighton head coach, Trossard made headlines by scoring a hat-trick—all with his supposedly weaker left foot. His ability to disguise his intentions and manipulate defenders was evident against Liverpool, where he left Trent Alexander-Arnold trailing and unable to anticipate which foot he would favor next.
Trossard’s versatility allows him to adjust depending on the situation:
– On tightly marked plays, he can quickly shift the ball onto his left foot and unleash a powerful strike, using body feints to wrong-foot opponents.
– When receiving passes on the run, he assesses defensive positioning to determine the most effective shooting or dribbling angle, leveraging either foot to maximize threat.
– In transition, Trossard often bursts down the wing using his stronger right foot, then slows play by shifting to his left, keeping defenders guessing and creating space for teammates.
This technical ambidexterity not only facilitates his finishing—he scored four of his first five goals of the 2022-23 campaign with his left—but also makes him one of the most unpredictable forwards in the league. He consistently delivers crosses from both flanks and can pivot in tight areas, turning defensive inconveniences into attacking advantages.
Interestingly, Trossard’s scoring patterns have evolved. While just one of his eight goals in the previous season was left-footed, his increased use of the left in 2022-23 illustrates deliberate development and tactical adaptation under De Zerbi’s system.
Conclusion: The Power of Tactical Flexibility
Both Ben White and Leandro Trossard exemplify the modern footballer’s blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence. White’s seamless adaptation from center-back to an innovative right-back role has helped Arsenal control games while presenting offensive threats from deep. Meanwhile, Trossard’s ability to finish and dribble with either foot makes him a nightmare for defenses and a key creative asset for Brighton.
These case studies are a testament to how embracing versatile player roles and individual strengths can drive collective team performance in the Premier League and beyond. For coaches, analysts, and fans, they provide a window into the evolving nuances of top-flight football tactics.
