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

CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 02: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 02: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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.

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.

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.