Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva believes that summer signing Lucas Torreira can be the club’s N’Golo Kante. Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria this summer and has played all of the club’s Premier League matches. However, he has only appeared as a substitute so far with Unai Emery preferring fellow summer signing Matteo Guendouzi.
Despite the Uruguayan not starting a single game so far, Silva thinks he can become a very important player for Unai Emery. He said, “Can he have the same impact as Kante? I hope so. The Premier League is not easy. You have to work hard to be considered a top player and progress game to game, season to season. But he’s got the potential. We saw that at the World Cup, where he did a great job for Uruguay. I watched him in the World Cup. He did a very good job. If you see the way he plays, he plays the game very simply, he makes things easy for him on the field.
He gives protection to the back four and support to the guys up front, he tries to find the best spot to be. The protective instinct is very natural for him. Before [Torreira] arrived none of the other players were the kind who would sit in front of the back four. It’s a hard job, not everyone wants to do it.”
Both Torreira and Kante operate as holding midfielders. Additionally, both players are of short stature. However, Silva doesn’t think that height should be an issue for Torreira or Kante. He said, “It’s about how smart they are to play at this position, to find the best ball to give, play nice and simple. ”
Arsenal are currently 9th in the Premier League table. Following the conclusion of the international break, they take on Newcastle on Saturday before beginning their Europa League campaign against Ukrainian club Vorskla. Arsenal have been given a favorable draw at the Europa League. Their group consists of Vorskla, Sporting CP and Azerbaijan club Qarabag.
