Leandro Trossard #10

Profile

Ten years ago Trossard was being relegated to Belgium’s second division with OH Leuven. A decade on, he’s a World Cup player who has just spent a season at the heart of a Premier League title challenge. He’s not immune to criticism, though, with Belgium media and fans often saying he doesn’t perform at the same level for his country as he does for his club. In a press conference in October, for instance, a reporter even told him that he always looks less happy when he’s with the national team. Trossard smiled, flashed his white teeth and countered: “No idea where that comes from. I’m always happy when I’m on the field.” He hopes to show that at the World Cup and, if he finds the net, watch out for him putting on his imaginary glasses – his signature celebration. Also watch out for any Belgium matches refereed by the French official Clément Turpin, who is Trossard’s doppelganger.

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