Arsenal boss raves about player who is yet to start a match

Arsenal
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Arsenal continued their resurgence under new boss Unai Emery and recorded their third successive victory in the Premier League, as they claimed a 2-1 win against Newcastle United on Saturday.

After arriving at the Gunners during the summer transfer window from Sampdoria, the Uruguay international Torreira has yet to earn his first start for the club. He has appeared in all five of the club’s games in the League this season, but been confined to making appearances off the bench.

He replaced youngster Matteo Guendouzi during the second half against the Magpies, whilst the score was 0-0.

Emery’s side went on to take the lead early on during the second half through Granit Xhaka before Mesut Ozil added a second during the 58th minute.

Even though Torreira has not yet started a game, he has shown talent and could become a key component of Emery’s starting XI going forward.

It will be very surprising if the 22-year-old does not earn his first competitive start of the season during the Gunners’ next game, which is a Europa League clash against minnows FC Vorskla Poltava.

Speaking after the game, Emery went on to praise the efforts of Torreira. As quoted by Football London, the former Sevilla and PSG boss said: “I want to give every player confidence. I am very happy with Matteo [Guendouzi] and with Lucas. Maybe the second half we needed a bit more balance in the situation with our positioning on the pitch, Lucas gave us this balance.”