Roberto De Zerbi insists that he ‘wants more’ from Leandro Trossard ‘because he can play better’

Leandro Trossard has been left out of Brighton’s squad to face Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Belgian winger has played an integral role in the Seagulls’ Premier League successes since joining the club in 2019, but Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is not happy with his work rate.

With speculation mounting linking Trossard to a move away from Amex, De Zerbi left the 28-year-old on the bench for the first time this season when the club defeated Everton.

Leandro Trossard has been left out of the Brighton squad as the club travel to Middlesbrough for an FA Cup tie

Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi has explained that he “wants more” from the 28-year-old.

In an interview with the athleticDe Zerbi insisted that he values ​​Trossard, but that the Belgium international could “play better”.

“I think he is one of the best players for us and one of the most important players for us. I would like to always play with Leo in the starting XI, but it doesn’t just depend on me, it depends on Leo.

I don’t know, but with me I want players who work for the team on the field and Leandro knows my opinion, my idea very well. I have spoken many times with him.

Trossard is Brighton’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with seven goals in 16 appearances

I like him as a player, but I want more from him, because he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch and I want players who give 100% in every training session and every game.

‘Without these features, then they can’t play with me.’

Trossard is Brighton’s top scorer in the league this season, having netted seven goals in 16 games, including a hat trick in the club’s draw with Liverpool in October.

The former South Coast Genk star’s contract expires at the end of the season, but Brighton have the option to extend his contract for a further year.