Press conference

Emery - Torreira gave us more balance

Lucas Torreira

Lucas Torreira hasn’t started a game for us yet - but he’s more than made his mark.

The Uruguay midfielder has been easing his way into English football after a successful summer at the World Cup and his presence is being increasingly felt.

Torreira came off the bench to put in a flawless passing display at Cardiff before the international break and he was at it again at Newcastle, coming on at half-time to drive us forward.

Matteo Guendouzi made way for Torreira and Unai Emery explained his decision after the game.

“I want to give every player confidence,” he said.

“I am very happy with Matteo and also very happy with Lucas. But maybe in the second half we needed a little more balance on the pitch with the positioning. Lucas gives us this balance.”