Unai Emery tells Lucas Torreira how to get in Arsenal starting XI

Unai Emery has told Lucas Torreira he needs to keep working hard to earn a place in Arsenal’s starting XI despite an impressive cameo off the bench against Cardiff.

The Uruguayan is yet to start for his new club but has looked assured whenever called upon, and was exceptional in his 20 minutes on the pitch in Arsenal’s 3-2 win in Wales on Sunday afternoon.

Torreira completed 100% of his 26 passes, successfully completed three tackles and recorded an assist for Alexandre Lacazette’s late winner.

However, Emery believes Arsenal’s current starters in midfield, Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka, have earned their starting spots and Torreira must be patient to get his chance.

‘He’s improving. He is getting to know his teammates,’ said Emery of Torreira after the victory over Cardiff.

‘For me, all the minutes he is playing is important for his performance. He needs to continue working.

‘But it’s very important for me to think about others players, Matteo has started well and Xhaka is very important. We need good players. Lucas is like that.’