2

Fan favourite Torreira may stand only 5ft 5in tall but he is following Dad’s advice and fighting for success in England with new club Arsenal

Selhurst Park, Tomorrow: 1.30pm quickly become a fans’ favourite, just months into his Arsenal career.

Supporters adapting a chant for club legend Patrick Vieira for the diminutive Uruguay star underlines just how popular he already is.

The 22-year-old is now being serenaded with cries of ‘Torreira woaahh, Torreira woaahh. He comes from Uruguay, he’s only five foot five.’

And he said: “It’s a beautiful thing. It fills me with so much pride every time I go on to the pitch and they sing for me or applaud me for what I have done.

“It’s really beautiful and I appreciate it. I am extremely proud to be at Arsenal and hopefully we can enjoy many things together.” Tigerish Torreira (left) has brought the defensive nous and discipline to the Gunners’ midfield they have needed for some time, another big factor in why he has endeared himself so quickly.

His ability to sense then snuff out danger in the holding role allows his team-mates to bomb forward, knowing they have him behind them as insurance to mop up.

He also has quality on the ball, which means he is more than just a stopper in the engine room and can contribute to Arsenal’s attacking game too.

Torreira said: “The most important thing for me is try to bring balance to the team, to help the defenders and support the midfielders.

“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. Obviously 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, always helping.

“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.”