Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal 'never' had THIS type of player under Arsene Wenger - Neville
ARSENAL boast, in Lucas Torreira, a player they “never” had during Arsene Wenger’s reign.
Lucas Torreira scores OUTRAGEOUS chip in Arsenal training
That is the opinion of former Manchester United defender Phil Neville.
Torreira has started the Gunners’ last three league games in a two-man defensive midfielder base alongside Granit Xhaka.
ARSENAL vs LEICESTER | FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES!
The Uruguayan has quickly become a popular name in the Emirates terraces due to his combative style.
Under Wenger, Arsenal were often criticised for their apathy and lack of mettle in big matches.
Under Arsene Wenger they never had that type of player who complemented the unbelievable talent they have in that team
The 22-year-old’s pitbull style has resultantly come like a breath of fresh air in North London.
Unai Emery’s side have won six consecutive league games and have only conceded one goal in the fixtures which their tenacious £26million-man has started.
England women’s coach Neville saw out the autumn of his career in defensive midfield and has been impressed with Torreira.
"I think Torreira for this Arsenal side allows [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan, Lacazette, [Mesut] Ozil to play," Neville said.
"It allows these players to do what they do best.
“In the past under Arsene Wenger they never had that type of player who complemented the unbelievable talent they have in that team.
"People talk about Aubameyang, Lacazette, [Danny] Welbeck, [Alex] Iwobi, you talk about the forward players, but actually it only takes one player to knit a team together.
Arsenal fans make up HILARIOUS chant about Lucas Torreira
"They have an absolute bargain. Torreira is following the orders of his manager and, dovetailing to that, Xhaka has improved because of it."
The 5ft 6in midfielder is expected to start once more against Leicester this evening.
Should Arsenal collect another three points, they will leapfrog local rivals Tottenham and trail Chelsea only by goal difference.