Football news - Lucas Torreira full of praise for Granit Xhaka and developing partnership
BySportsbeat
Updated 02/11/2018 at 16:41 GMT
Arsenal's Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira is convinced his new-look midfield partnership with Granit Xhaka can fire Unai Emery’s Gunners to success this season.
Arsenal's Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira comes on for Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
After initially missing out on selection against Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League, Torreira has become a mainstay for Arsenal this season, inspiring the Gunners to 11-straight wins in all competitions.
The diminutive midfielder has formed a robust defensive shield alongside Switzerland international Xhaka – and Torreira believes the partnership with only improve.
“Granit is a player that I link up a lot with in the midfield and he covers lot of ground on the pitch,” said Torreira, speaking to promote a friendly between Brazil and Uruguay on Friday, November 16 at the Emirates Stadium in London.
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Lucas Torreira
Image credit: Getty Images
“He occupies space really well and is important to the defensive balance of the team, which the manager knows. He’s an outlet for the first pass from defence and frustrates the opposition attackers.
“When he’s playing well the team are going to win games. We’re gaining points, me and him are playing minutes together and gaining experience together, which is important.
“The manager has spoken to me a lot and made sure I understand everything. It’s important that he is able to explain everything to me in Spanish because it can be quite complicated when he’s explaining the principles of the team.
“He wants to make sure the whole team understands the points he is making the best they can. As time goes on I am going to get to grips better with all the tactical aspects of how Arsenal play.
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Arsenal manager Unai Emery gestures
Image credit: Reuters
“Last year I got used to Sampdoria’s style of play, where we had three players across the midfield, and I’m now adapting to Arsenal’s and there just being two of us, playing alongside Granit.
“There are many things I can improve on but that will come with time. We are going to have a much better understanding, we’ll only improve and when things are going well, the team will become even better.”
Brazil take on Uruguay in an international friendly at Emirates Stadium, London on 16 November (KO 8pm). Tickets from £30 on sale at www.arsenal.com/tickets
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