Lucas Torreira has been something of a revelation since joining Arsenal and his performance in the north London derby drew comparisons to midfield legend Patrick Vieira. The diminutive Uruguayan was at his all-action best in the 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur and even scored his first goal for the club.
Such has been his impact since a £26million summer move from Sampdoria, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has said Torreira’s displays have been reminiscent of the French midfielder.
“It was the best all-round midfield display I have seen in an Arsenal shirt since Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva used to run the show,” Keown said in his Daily Mail column.
“Torreira and Vieira could not be more different in terms of size and stature but their drive and determination is exactly the same.
“From the first whistle the Uruguayan controlled the midfield. He was utterly fearless, demanding the ball at all times, always eager to snap into tackles and snuff out danger.
“His tireless running gave Arsenal an extra body all over the pitch. You got the sense that if he could, he would happily do everyone else’s job!”
Vieira spent nine years with Arsenal and led them to three Premier League titles and three FA Cups and was captain during their ‘Invincible’ season of 2003/04.
Since he departed for Juventus in 2005, fans have been desperate to see Arsenal’s midfield return to its rugged ways and Keown feels Torreira brings the desired tenacity.
“In Torreira, Emery has a little dynamo on the pitch who sets the standard,” he continued.
“After three years in which Arsenal have slipped behind their rivals, this win was all about biting back. It is Torreira who gives them that bite.”
Does the little Uruguayan remind you of any Arsenal legends?