Arsenal: Ranking the central midfielders for the Mikel Arteta era

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal points instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. Lucas Torreira

Like Joe Willock, Lucas Torreira is unique in the Arsenal squad. He can do things that no other midfielder can replicate, and that complementary presence in midfield makes him extremely valuable. Unlike Willock, Torreira has played extensively in his best-suited defensive midfield position and has proven that he fits into the Arteta system in that role.

In the early Arteta-led matches, Torreira was Arsenal’s best performer. Reinstated to the base of the midfield, he was tenacious, scrappy, athletic, neat and tidy in possession, and superb at breaking up play, containing counter-attacks, and providing a foundation for the more expressive, creative and attacking players around him to play.

He only turned 24 in February, has yet to enjoy a run of matches in defensive midfield, and brings a brilliant attitude and commitment that others sometimes lack. He is a little limited in possession, but Torreira’s defensive work is unmatched across the entire squad. And as he reaches his prime, he will only get better.

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