Lucas Torreira was Arsenal’s most expensive signing of the summer. When on the pitch, he has been objectively and subjectively one of the best players on the pitch. So why has he yet to start a match under Unai Emery?
It certainly has not been his play. What has separated Matteo Guendouzi, who has started in his place?
2Offensive
Despite his defensive capabilities being what excited fans when he signed, his offensive skills have been outstanding. His ability to pick out passes in the final third have stood out even among his “Wengerball” era teammates.
Against Cardiff, he completed every single one of his passes and provided a terrific assist.
Lucas Torreira’s stats vs Cardiff today (on for 24 minutes) 26/26 passes completed, 1 assist. 1/1 take ons completed, 2 ball recoveries, 2 fouls won. 3/3 tackles completed, and 1 interception. #AFC #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/upn0y5r3SB
— MB (@MoneyballFM) September 2, 2018
Lacazette makes it 3-2. What a goal pic.twitter.com/PjLtFyzkbl
— JohnBappe (@JohnBappe) September 2, 2018
Torreira has made 71 passes per 90 as opposed to Guendouzi’s 62. He is also putting in more than twice as many key passes for every 90 minutes on the pitch (1.1 vs 0.5)
The quality that Guendouzi possesses that Torreira does not (or at least has not shown as much of yet) is range. Guendouzi has played 18 accurate long balls to Torreira’s 5. This pass Guendouzi hit against Chelsea was a thing of beauty.
This pass against Chelsea from Guendouzi was just phenomenal. Spots the run down the channel and cuts Chelsea open. He’s 19 and was previously playing in the French 2nd division last season…. pic.twitter.com/h6fbNI3LGv
— ST (@SteeArsenal) August 21, 2018
Range vs. key passes
Who starts comes down to what Emery values more. Arsenal have seemed to “click” better offensively when Torreira comes on. The more efficient and shorter passing appears on the surface to suit the team better. Granit Xhaka can provide plenty of ranged passes.
With Mesut Özil already being able to provide plenty of key passes, Emery probably wants to add greater passing range. Emery must see Guendouzi’s range as a slight positive in his favor.