Why Lucas Torreira is the midfielder Arsenal have been missing for years

by Dylan Walsh

There was a moment in Arsenal’s 4-2 Europa League win against Ukrainian side FC Vorskla Poltava that summarised summer signing Lucas Torreira in a nutshell.

In the second half, Torreira was chasing down the ball after possession had been lost. His first tackle nipped the player’s ankle, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Vorskla player from bursting through Arsenal’s attacking third on the counter. Despite being on the floor, Torreira flung himself head-first towards the ball, and not only won back possession but also a free-kick for the Gunners.

A hole long voided now filled

Torreira was one of many impressive individual performers for Arsenal on Thursday night, but there was something different to the showing the young Uruguayan brought.

Sure, Alex Iwobi dazzled in attack in what was arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt and fellow summer signing Sokratis was a general in the defence making vital tackles and runs, but Torreira brought something to Arsenal that hasn’t been seen by a player of the club from a long time. A do-or-die attitude.

Uruguayan midfielders have always been stereotyped as crazed individuals who will bite your foot off to win back the ball, and whilst Torreira is likely capable of such an act, and whilst I doubt Arsenal fans will be complaining, he also brings a certain style that the Gunners have long missed in a staring XI since the Invincibles team.

The latest star in a niche genre

Midfield Rottweilers are some of the most enjoyable players to watch in football. From Gennaro Gattuso to Arturo Vidal to Lee Cattermole, these players are a rare breed in a sport that has shifted dramatically from muddy fields and dirty tackles to state-of-the-art pitches and a yellow card for taking your shirt off during a celebration.

And it’s not just Torreira‘s attitude and desire that makes him a standout and already an important player for Arsenal. His range of passing and prowess on dead-ball opportunities is what gives the former Sampdoria star the potential to become on of the best midfielders in the English game.

Torreira almost scored from a free-kick for Arsenal against Vorskla on Thursday night when his strike from the edge of the area just missed the target, and he was dangerous from corners as well in what was his first start for the club.

He had given fans glimpses of what he was capable of in the league, but now Torreira has show Arsenal fans what he is truly capable when Unai Emery finally gives him a start. And you can bet he will become a mainstay in the Gunners XI very, very soon.