Interviews

Potter: Trossard has gone from strength to strength

Head coach delighted with midfielder's progress this season.

By Bruce Talbot • 30 November 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Leandro Trossard has scored 13 Premier League goals for Albion.

Leandro Trossard’s emergence as a top Premier League player is a testament to his hard work, according to Graham Potter.

The Belgium midfielder goes into tomorrow’s game against West Ham United with three goals in 13 appearances this season and is on course to beat his tally of five goals in his previous two top-flight campaigns.

Asked about Trossard’s impact this season, Potter said, “There’s no magic wand and it doesn’t just happen, it’s down to Leo, it’s down to his work, his experiences, succeeding and failing and taking steps. That’s what we want with all our players.

By Bennett Dean
Leandro Trossard hit the post with a brilliant effort against Leeds United.

“His development of course is part of our strategy. With the greatest of respect if there’s a player coming from Belgium or the Championship, or the under-23s, it’s about seeing how we can get them to be a regular performer and top performer in the Premier League.”

One of those youngsters, Jeremy Sarmiento, came off the bench in Saturday’s goalless draw with Leeds United to make his Premier League debut, a month after making his international bow for Ecuador. “He’s an exciting player, he’s not necessarily a Premier League player now, but he’s got the potential to be one in the future,” added Potter.

By James Boardman
Jeremy Sarmiento came on for the final ten minutes against Leeds United.

Albion have never lost to West Ham in eight Premier League meetings, but that record will be tested at the London Stadium on Wednesday against a side who have already won their Europa League group and are fourth in the table.

“It’s always tough playing against West Ham and the job that David Moyes has done is obviously fantastic,” said Potter. “What they have achieved already this season has been amazing.

“When you have that type of opponent it’s a challenge. We have to go and play well, but our challenge is to maintain the performance level that we had against Leeds United. If we do that we give ourselves a chance in the game.”