Credit: Getty Images/Adrian Dennis/AFP/Shaun Botterill

Opinion

FeaturedOpinionArsenal

Mikel Arteta should now make one change to the Arsenal XI that beat Real Madrid, he could stun Carlo Ancelotti

Srinivas Sadhanand

Mon 14 April 2025 6:15, UK

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford may not have come as much of a disappointment to Mikel Arteta as the Gunners’ main objective this season must be to progress to the Champions League semi-final by beating Real Madrid.

Deservedly, Arsenal are set to jet off to the Spanish capital with a 3-0 lead to their name but regardless, the second leg is set to be a challenge for the visitors. Real Madrid can never be written off in the Champions League as they have demonstrated time and again that adversity only serves as an advantage to them to silence their doubters.

The Gunners will be aware of that being the case and by taking their upcoming contest lightly, they would be playing into Carlo Ancelotti’s hands.

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta should look to surprise Ancelotti — with Leandro Trossard’s inclusion being a change from Wednesday’s side that could stun the Italian manager.

Mikel Arteta should start Leandro Trossard for Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Arteta would be making an unpopular decision by starting Trossard as Mikel Merino scored against Real Madrid and did his job as a makeshift striker for Arsenal.

But Mikel Arteta has shown that he does not hesitate to make bold decisions and in Trossard, he could start a number nine against Real Madrid who is firstly, far more experienced playing up front.

Thomas Frank lauded Merino’s displays up top but ultimately, he cannot be blamed in the event of potentially missing a golden opportunity this week, which is a rarity for the Belgian due to being an expert finisher.

Trossard’s form has been called into question but what will be worth its weight in gold for Mikel Arteta is that he could stun the Real Madrid backline by leading the line for Arsenal due to two reasons.

• Trossard’s intelligent movement and positioning
• Real Madrid’s lack of experience facing the Arsenal forward

Real Madrid have already played against Merino and know what to expect from him.

Trossard’s pedigree up top cannot be doubted by Mikel Arteta either, considering he scored a hat-trick for Brighton while playing as a striker against Liverpool in the 2022/2023 season — a role where he has perhaps looked most comfortable at Arsenal as well and one where he will be willing to prove a point against Real Madrid.

With Trossard open to a move to Saudi Arabia, putting in a display to remember against Carlo Ancelotti’s juggernaut and potentially winning the Champions League would be the last hurrah he must be keen to experience.

Leandro Trossard record as a striker ahead of Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Whether Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decides to make a brave decision by starting Trossard against Real Madrid or keeps the faith in Merino will be interesting to see.

But it’s safe to say that the statistics suggest that Arteta should have every reason to back Trossard, considering how well he has fared as a striker during his career.

Considering the former Brighton attacker did not even start every one of these games, him managing to register 20 goal contributions (nine goals and 11 assists) in 41 appearances is very impressive.

But Ian Wright lauded Merino’s finish against Real Madrid and having been rested against Brentford while Trossard started, he might already have been given the nod to start against Real Madrid.