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?

3Experience

Uruguay's midfielder Lucas Torreira (R) vies for the ball with Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Uruguay and Portugal at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Uruguay’s midfielder Lucas Torreira (R) vies for the ball with Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Uruguay and Portugal at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

This is the one category that leans heavily in one player’s favor.

Prior to this season, Guendouzi had played exclusively in Ligue 2. Torreira, on the other hand, is a full international for Uruguay, played at the World Cup, and started all last season in Serie A. And he has played well in those competitions.

He was 11th among midfielders in interceptions per match at the World Cup, despite being a substitute in two of his 3 appearances. This experience is what has led many Arsenal fans shocked to see his name listed among the substitutes in each match so far. Guendouzi is much more of an unknown quantity, at least to fans of the club. Emery either is very willing to play youngsters or does not value experience very much.