Unai Emery originally eased midfield man Lucas Torreira into first team action, taking three or four games to give him a start. However, since he's been in from the off, the Gunners haven't lost a game and he hasn't lost his place in Emery's first team.
It's never normally easy for a holding midfielder to have a stand out game. Pundits and fans alike generally look for goals and assists, saves or goal line clearances (all sorts of stand out action) so for someone who tracks back and protects a defensive line to win plaudits means he must be performing at an exceptional level. Standing at only 5'5 and a bit, Uruguayan dynamo Lucas Torreira has delivered an outstanding first impression; a level and maturity Arsenal hasn't seen in its defensive midfield since the days of former skipper Gilberto Silva.
Post World Cup, settling in clearly took time with cameo appearances here and there to start, but even during these stints of play Torreira stood out. Now a firm fixture in Arsenal's first team, he's gone on to show everything a successful holding midfielder needs to help his team win football matches. He is responsible, can read the game incredibly well, is able to intercept and break up play with ease, and can tackle with tenacity and accuracy. He gives away few fouls but gets stuck in, is highly organised yet is still able to cover for others, and can also find a pass or make something happen pretty well. The all round package in any midfield.
Another huge part of his game has come rather under the radar, compared to the obvious clearances, interceptions, blocks, etc. Just his mere presence and defensive discipline has freed up the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and others who play alongside him. His maturity and guile and ability to actively sniff out danger, plug gaps and put a shape together means that Xhaka (especially) no longer needs to try (and fail) to do this. It allows Xhaka and co to go about their games differently; Torreira being there means that others can express their strengths much more without worrying about the defensive side of the game. Yes, all midfielders are required to play the game at both ends; create and get involved going forward, and dig in and defend the other way, but having Torreira behind you makes this far easier than it's ever been.
Getting better and better in each appearance, Torreira has filled a hole that so many have tried to occupy. Since Gilberto's departure, the most successful player to attempt to make holding midfield his own was Mathieu Flamini (first time around) alongside Cesc Fabregas. Alex Song, Abou Diaby, Denilson, Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin are just some names that have tried and failed to deliver on this role under Wenger. Ironically, the need for a player such as Torreira came after Wenger left - whether he felt his team needed such a player is a whole other debate - but to us fans the gap was always there. Torreira has stepped in and not only made the role his own but has impressed week on week, amassing numerous interceptions and tackles but in addition to doing these well, he is able to then create from deep and get involved, if the opportunity arises. We watched as Makelele tackled and intercepted his way to an extremely successful career, getting the ball back for his team and passing sideways to the likes of Lampard and Ballack for them to do the business going forward. Lucas Torreira is already showing much of the same class and dynamism.
Clock End Talk looked at the signing of Torreira back in the summer (here) and identified what he'd bring to Arsenal Football Club. Almost three months later he's delivering on all fronts; defensive responsibility, and dynamism and energy. We are yet to see him put a set piece on goal but that's a luxury for another day. Everything the Gunners have been desperate for for years, Torreira has brought and then some. Xhaka, Ramsey, Ozil and co are all better for having the little Uruguayan in the team, allowing them to play their games more freely. Emery has a real talent on his hands, and I for one want him to let the Torreira ride keep on flowing. His combination of tenacity, energy and organisation is unmatched by anyone else in the Arsenal squad, and a as a result he's the perfect mentor for the likes of Guendouzi and AMN as they grow their Arsenal careers.
Lucas Torreira - the ideal foil for any football team club, the perfect anchor for any midfield.
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