Torreira happy to be an enforcer
Lucas Torreira started out as an attacker but is now more than happy to be Arsenal’s enforcer as he settles into life in the Premier League. The 22-year-old Uruguay international moved to the Emirates from Sampdoria in the summer – one of five signings made to improve the fortunes of the Gunners, who have missed out on the top four for the past two seasons.
Head coach Unai Emery eased Torreira into English football, using him as a substitute in the first five games of the campaign.
Since earning his first start in the Europa League win over Vorskla Poltava, Torreira has gone from strength to strength and has already become a fans’ favourite with his tenacity and work rate.
Arsenal are on an 11-match winning run ahead of today’s trip to Crystal Palace, scoring some brilliant goals in the process and moving towards the top of the table. Torreira believes he has given the team a good balance to allow the forwards to express themselves.
“The most important thing for me is try to bring balance to the team, to help the defenders and support the midfielders,” he said.
“To try to help the attackers and to be constantly trying to help in ordering that. They are small things out there, but in the end they make a big difference.
“Every time you go on the pitch you try to play. I want to have fun playing with my team-mates, to get things going and to help us win – as we have been doing.
“Always lending a hand, sacrificing in defence and in attack, I am available to the team.
“I arrived in Italy playing as a playmaker or an attacker. I was lucky to find a coach who put me in a more defensive position and I am totally happy in that role. I try to learn every day.”
Standing at just 5ft 4in, Torreira’s diminutive stature has already seen the former Pescara man earn his own chant among Arsenal supporters.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” he said when asked about having a song in his honour. “It fills me with so much pride every time I go onto the pitch and they sing for me or applaud me for what I have done.”