Matteo Guendouzi has probably been Arsenal’s best performer this season. Putting in a teenager from Tier 2 of French football and straight into Premier League – sounds wacky but Arsenal probably unearthed a gem in doing so.
Coming into the season, Arsenal fans were excited with the duo of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira but Guendouzi’s performance has left duo of Xhaka and Torreira fighting for a place to play alongside Matteo.
Nothing to take away from the young Matteo, though I believe Arsenal can probably make one of the deadliest midfield in England by partnering Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira.
Here are 5 reasons Why Duo of Xhaka-Torreira be successful midfield pivot for Arsenal :
1. Complementary Qualities
Granit Xhaka have come under the radar mainly for his lack of mobility and defensive responsibilities/awareness, though these are considered to be Lucas Torreira’s strengths.
2. Xhaka will get his license to go ahead
Xhaka likes to move forward despite of his defensive responsibilities, but with Torreira on his cover – he can be influential on the attacking aspects without worrying about the defensive ones.
Torreira is a tidy player who likes to play short passes and control the game. This means he could combine with Xhaka and let the Swiss Skipper be creative.
Last season Xhaka played far too deep to be an attacking effective deep lying midfielder. When advanced he can break the lines, play balls behind and switch the attacks effectively.
3. Adventurous
Granit Xhaka likes to be adventurous with his passing and likes going on with the attacking flow. Torreira is less adventurous and likes to take responsibility in the middle of the park. Maybe we can see more of those Xhaka screamers.
4. Set Piece Ability
Lucas Torreira has been first choice set piece taker for Sampdoria, but the list is long at Arsenal and Uruguayan will have to show his abilites for the dead ball on regular basis to be in contention for corners and free kicks.
Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka – both have commendable abilities from the deadball, at the same time possess different strong foots.
5. Provide cover for Full-Backs
With Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal driving forward, Matteo Guendouzi as well as Granit Xhaka have been highly criticized for providing cover to full-backs.
Lucas Torreira is someone who will cover the flanks to keep from counter attacks.
READ MORE:
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