Rio Ferdinand has shared how Leandro Trossard has completely surprised him during his time at Arsenal after the Belgian scored the winner against Manchester United on Sunday.

Leandro Trossard proved to be the Gunners’ hero as they continued to put the pressure on Manchester City, with the 29-year-old tucking the ball home from close range after being set up by Kai Havertz.

Trossard has vindicated Mikel Arteta’s faith in him, with the former Brighton man moving ahead of Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order on the left flank in recent weeks.

But Trossard has proved that he has a knack of coming up with some big goals for Arsenal since his move – which was worth an initial £20 million – scoring five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances for the leaders.

Rio Ferdinand stunned by Leandro Trossard

Of course, Trossard arrived at the Emirates after weeks of speculation that Arsenal were making a big push to sign Mykhailo Mudryk. And missing out on Mudryk has subsequently proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Certainly, speaking on FIVE after the full-time whistle yesterday, Rio Ferdinand admitted that he did not see Trossard being so important for Arsenal following his move.

“I think Trossard could be one of the signings of the year, one of the players of the year as well. He has come up with goals on a consistent basis, big goals, big moments, and no one would have thought that he was bought for those big-moment goals. Squad player, that’s it. The value that he has come with is phenomenal,” he said.

What is remarkable about Arsenal star’s scoring form this season

Only three Arsenal players have scored more than 10 goals in the Premier League this season, with Bukayo Saka out in front on 16 goals.

Meanwhile, Trossard has now joined Kai Havertz on 12. But what is remarkable about Trossard’s return is that he has only made 17 starts in the Premier League; only Eddie Nketiah has come off the bench more often for the Gunners this season.

Pound for pound, Trossard has to have been one of the best signings Mikel Arteta and Edu have made – and that goal on Sunday could prove to be a massive moment in the title race.