It was a week which had you pondering an unusual question. Was Leandro Trossard a true ‘false nine’ at Anfield? Or just a nine. There is more tactical talk than ever for and among fans these days. So much so that you end up analysing the analysis. So many stats. Some in context, some not.
Graham Potter said: “I think the ‘false nine’ has been jumped on a little bit. I think it is just Leo playing in that position. Leo’s strengths are he can run in behind the defence and he can drop in and link up, dribble, and play through balls. When you consider he played against arguably the best centre-back in the world in (Virgil) van Dijk, to play that type of player with that profile can make a bit of sense. It was also a combination with him, Solly (March) and Adam (Lallana) that made us attack quite well. We attacked in a similar way against Man City in the second half. It is an option for us. It doesn’t mean it is set in stone for the rest of the season but it is the same sort of thinking in terms of how the team wants to attack and using the best players for that strategy.”
Trossard’s numbers in terms of goal attempts per game have increased season-on-season with the Seagulls. From 1.3 in 2019-20 to 1.7 last term to a current 2.6, albeit over only ten fixtures. Asked whether he has been encouraged to shoot more,
Graham Potter said: “I wouldn’t say necessarily explicitly more. He’s maybe in a bit more of a central position. He is in a bit more of an advanced position so the opportunities come more. I think it’s all about decision-making and that, in the final third, is what separates the top players with the good ones. That decision making and execution in the final third when there is not that much time and space. Leo has got the quality to execute and to decide and it’s about putting him in those positions as often as we can. It is always about the team and the collective, because that is that starting point for everything. How does the team want to attack and defend? Based on those thoughts you can look at the best players that can fill those positions in the best way.
Trossard averaged three shots per game as main man in his final season with Genk. That number reduces to 1.5 (which is surprisingly high, perhaps) in international action with the all stars of Belgium.
