Undervalued Premier League Stars: Leandro Trossard’s Hidden Brilliance
The summer transfer window of 2022 has shaped up to be a period filled with high-profile rumors, headline-grabbing moves, and renewed financial ambition among Europe’s elite football clubs. While much of the attention revolves around marquee names and big-spending teams, there remains a select group of Premier League players who consistently deliver value yet escape the mainstream spotlight. Among this underrated talent pool stands Brighton & Hove Albion’s Belgian star, Leandro Trossard—a quietly exceptional performer who could represent a bargain for clubs with European ambitions.
Leandro Trossard: Key Statistics and Value Overview
Despite Brighton’s impressive ninth-place Premier League finish, few of their players received widespread recognition for their contributions. Leandro Trossard, however, played a pivotal role, directly contributing to 11 of Brighton’s 42 league goals during his 34 appearances in the 2021-22 season. This was his most productive campaign to date, following a 10-goal involvement (5 goals, 5 assists) the previous season.
Signed for €15.56 million in 2019, Trossard’s value has seen a modest rise to €17 million according to Transfermarkt. Given his versatility—capable as a winger, wing-back, or second striker—and his experience as a full Belgian international, his current valuation makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options without overspending.
Tactical Versatility and Playmaking Prowess
Trossard’s effectiveness is not limited to just goal contributions. His spatial awareness in the final third allows him to find and exploit gaps behind defenses. He proves adept at receiving progressive passes, operating intelligently in tight pockets, and crafting opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
A few of his standout attacking metrics for the 2021-22 Premier League season include:
- 2.92 shot-creating actions per game
- 1.86 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes (team-leading)
- 1.28 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes
These numbers suggest that, when playing alongside more clinical finishers, Trossard’s assist tallies could rise significantly.
Dribbling Skills and Threat on the Counter
Trossard is among the elite dribblers in his position, boasting a 75.6% dribble success rate—placing him in the top 1% for his role. Utilizing a dynamic mix of pace, balance, and precise close control, he excels when attacking defenders one-on-one and consistently beats markers even in congested spaces.
During the 2021-22 campaign, Trossard successfully dribbled past 60 opponents, a testament to his threat in transition and his ability to destabilize defensive structures—attributes highly valued in counter-attacking systems.
Why Trossard Appeals to Top Clubs
At 27, Trossard has entered the prime of his career, bringing with him not just technical quality but a tactical intelligence and adaptability that make him a rare asset. His ability to perform in a host of positions—out wide, as a wing-back, or in advanced central roles—renders him highly compatible with various tactical systems and managerial demands.
Given his achievements and current market conditions, now may be the ideal moment for Trossard to make the leap to a club competing for European titles. Here are three destinations well-suited to his profile should he depart Brighton this summer:
Ideal Clubs for Leandro Trossard: Potential Transfer Destinations
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte has a preference for experienced, multifunctional attackers who can seamlessly fit his favored 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 setup. Trossard’s history as a wing-back for Belgium and under Graham Potter at Brighton aligns perfectly with Conte’s tactics. Able to contribute as an attacking full-back or wide forward, Trossard would inject creativity and dynamism into Spurs’ flanks. Given his achievements for Brighton—8 goals and 3 assists in 2021-22—Tottenham could land a reliable Premier League performer at a reasonable price, addressing both depth and tactical flexibility.
Bayer Leverkusen
Gerardo Seoane’s Bayer Leverkusen side concluded a strong season with a Champions League spot but still require quality on the left wing to add balance and diversity to their transition play. With much of Leverkusen’s current attacking play focused on the right, a player of Trossard’s dribbling ability and link-up quality would complement their existing stars, such as Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick. Although Adam Hložek’s arrival expands their options, Trossard could provide both immediate impact and squad depth, fitting in whether Leverkusen play a back-three or their standard setup.
Inter Milan
Inter finished runners-up in Serie A and face key departures, including that of Ivan Perisic. In need of players comfortable as wing-backs or in forward roles within Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation, Trossard brings the perfect combination of forward thrust and defensive work rate. His adaptability would enable him to operate in both advanced and wide positions, supporting Inter’s bid to reclaim the league title.
Conclusion: The Hidden Value of Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard’s blend of technical excellence, positional versatility, and on-ball composure positions him as one of the most underrated players in the current transfer market. His impressive dribbling numbers, creative output, and tactical intelligence make him an ideal acquisition for clubs aiming to strengthen their rosters for European and domestic challenges. Whether he remains a key figure at Brighton or secures a move to a top-tier side, Trossard’s under-the-radar impact is set to continue turning heads among those who recognize true footballing value.
If you enjoyed this feature on Leandro Trossard, be sure to discover more undervalued Premier League talents and tactical analyses across our site.
Article by Charlie Ellis and Rhys Desmond.
