As reported by Evening Standard, Arsenal manager Unai Emery has hinted that Lucas Torreira might be utilised in a more advanced role after impressing against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League.
“Tonight he played very well, and this season it’s the first match that he was feeling physically very good. He was able to go from box to box, and I want to use his quality.” Emery told reporters.
In this article, however, we will discuss why it could be a terrible decision by the Spaniard.
He can be easily isolated
It’s needless to point out that Torreira isn’t the best of dribblers in world football. The Uruguayan international actually struggles a lot when it comes to carrying the ball from one place to another. And this could have a grave effect on his performance if he gets deployed as a number eight.
In half-spaces, where a player usually expects a lot of attention from opposing midfielders, Torreira would get isolated pretty easily. His lack of ball-carrying abilities means he can’t nestle through tight spaces or evade the opposition press.
As a result, ex-Sampdoria star will easily be identified as a weak spot in Arsenal’s midfield. This was the case even against Frankfurt when the Bundesliga outfit used Djibril Sow and Dominik Kohr to outnumber the Uruguayan and win the ball back in midfield.
There are better players
Arsenal have a lot of talented players in their armoury – ones who can do the job of acting as a number much better than Torreira. New signing Dani Ceballos, in particular, has not been greatly utilised by Emery yet.
The Spaniard has the energy as well as the technical quality to thrive in that role. He is also an excellent ball-carrier while his neat passing and aggression make him a tailor-made fit for the Gunners. In addition to Ceballos, Arsenal also have Joe Willock, who impressed a lot in the win over Frankfurt.
The youngster has quick-feet and can comfortably nestle through tight spaces. Mesut Ozil is also an option, though the German hasn’t played a lot of football in recent months.
What’s the best role for Torreira?
Torreira should best be utilised as alongside Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi in a 4-3-3, especially against quality opposition. Deploying these three midfielders will make Arsenal solid in midfield while the front trio of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe can provide a threat on the counter.
Against an easier opponent, Torreira can be utilised as a super-sub or even as an alternative for Xhaka, who has lacked consistency ever since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach.
