Off the back of a more than impressive World Cup campaign for his country, Lucas Torreira signed last week from Italian side Sampdoria, for a rumoured fee in the region of £22 million. A natural CDM and a great interceptor and reader of play, Torreira will be off on holiday for a short break before coming back to London Colney to begin his preseason training in a few weeks time. Arsenal have been craving a true defensive midfielder in the mould of Claude Makelele since Patrick Vieira departed for Juventus all those years ago...and even he wasn't a true holding midfield man of the modern era. Wenger tried a number of players (Flamini, Song, Wilshere, Coquelin, Elneny and Xhaka) over the years but none ever really dropped the attacking side of the game like they needed to. World class CDMs shield the back line first and foremost, rarely getting involved with anything going forward. Like Makelele; Nemanja Matic, N'Golo Kante and Liverpool newboy Fabinho are modern versions of what we need, and Torreira is certainly in this mould. We've seen over the last month that his defensive instincts are primitive and going forward rarely comes into his game.
We were also shown the other side to his game that perhaps may not be so pivotal at Arsenal; the creativity and string-pulling that he has to offer. More so at Sampdoria but a little for Uruguay too, Torreira possesses the ability to start attacks and dictate to forwards what he needs and when. The Gunners currently have Granit Xhaka in the deep lying playmaker role, and other options too, but knowing that Torreira is extremely capable of the same drive and ball playing ethos is certainly good, and means that Emery has another option in this area. The perfect solution maybe?
What will he bring?
Instinctive Defending: Having seen a little of Torreira over the last two seasons, and then a lot more over the last month or so in Russia, it's obvious to see that he is an instinctive defensive-minded player. Being deployed in the centre of the park, he sees much of the game and with his head always on the swivel he able to suss out danger extremely well. He is also no slouch so is able to cover ground pretty quickly in order to make an interception, tackle or whatever else is required. Torreira's instinct is to defend first, and think later. He's a destructive and combative midfield man who sits in front of a back four and rarely moves. His ability to defend from the centre of the pitch will be vital to Arsenal's structure, and in protecting us from dangerous counter attacks too; his instinctive nature to be in the right place, all of the time will stand Emery's men in great stead. His anticipation to clear a cross or intercept a pass is extremely noticeable and was clear to all during Uruguay's knock out games where ultimately, he was a great success.
Energy: A relatively young lad more than capable of covering the ground required, who showed in Russia that he can not only last ninety minutes but a hundred and twenty also - whilst maintaining exceptional levels of performance and fitness. Uruguay chopped and changed the midfield players alongside him but once Torreira started in game three of the group, he never really left the XI. Energetic and able to do the dirty work that players like Ramsey and Xhaka have proved that they won't/can't do, Torreira brings a unique work ethic that Emery is currently building into his players. A ready made and natural CDM who must be able to shield the defensive line and offer a holding and restrictive nature to allow the likes of Ramsey, Ozil and Mhkitaryan to create forward thinking and free flowing attacking football. The assurance someone like Torreira brings will only be truly noticed when he misses (hopefully not) a game or two. Once he breaks into the XI, much like Uruguay, his unique defensive mind will mean that he'll stay in until injury or suspension says otherwise. Emery will be keen to integrate him as soon as possible.
Set Pieces: Uruguay utilised Torreira's set piece capabilities at the World Cup, more so for long range build-up or crossing free kicks rather than direct shooting opportunities. However, he is more than capable of banging in an absolute rocket from a direct free kick so keepers watch out! Being a little guy, perhaps he's worked on his delivery over the years knowing that as he isn't much use in the box, so he may as well take the set piece with expert delivery. Arsenal are fairly blessed in this department though so expect to see this shared around or taken by whoever is nearest but judging by Torreira's ability to get around the pitch so well - he could be the nearest to everything!
Looking at Emery's approach; high tempo football with fit players constantly pressing for possession, Lucas Torreira looks to be the perfect signing. Once back from holiday and involved with the squad, hopefully arriving in time to go on tour, he'll fit right in. Although language may be an issue initially, the language of football is universal and he is one heck of a destructive and combative holding midfielder. Fingers crossed that he fills that hole that we've been so desperately craving over recent years and pushes the club forward to bigger and better things. At twenty-two years of age, the club have invested for the future as well for now. Still roughly four years away from his prime, Arsenal will be getting the best years of his development as well as his prime time should another contract come his way down the line. So welcome to Arsenal Lucas Torreira, the new number 11!
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