Press conference

‘Torreira is very fast in his mind and his feet’

Lucas Torreira has rapidly made himself a firm fans' favourite since his arrival in the summer - and his popularity is now sky high after scoring twice in the past three games.

Unai Emery was delighted with the Uruguayan midfielder after he struck late on as we beat Huddersfield Town on Saturday, and this is what he told the media:

on Lucas Torreira’s goal…

Last week he scored and today he scored again. He has quality and his interpretation of the pitch tactically, and his perception in attacking moments and defensive moments [is very good]. He’s very fast in his mind and his feet too. He can do very good work in defensive moments and, like today and last week, he can also get into the box and score.

on whether he’s exceeded his expectations…

We want to break every expectation with all players. He’s improving and working hard every day with a very big commitment, very good behaviour. He also has the commitment every day to learn English. I meet him every day in the dressing room and the first thing I notice is his commitment, his behaviour, and then he has quality and personality too.