Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has reserved special praise for Lucas Torreira in the aftermath of his debut following his loan move from Arsenal, Marca report.
The Uruguay international joined Atleti on loan from the Gunners earlier this month.
Torreira’s exit from Arsenal had been on the cards pretty much all summer after falling out of favour under boss Mikel Arteta last term following the Spaniard’s arrival.
The holding midfielder made his debut for the La Liga side in their 2-0 win at Celta Vigo.
Speaking to reporters, manager Diego Simeone lauded his performance and value to the team.
“He is a hard worker, we are going to need him, he competes very well. He will give us a lot of strength in the middle when he takes the form, he will generate more speed in the exit of the ball, hopefully, he will take the best form. He’s a guy who’s going to give absolutely everything,” Simeone told Marca.
Torreira joined Arsenal in 2018 from Sampdoria for a reported £27 million fee.
The 24-year-old seemingly had the chance to go back to Italy this past summer. However, he held out for a move to Atleti, rejecting the advances of Torino (AS).
Ironically, Torreira now finds himself at the heart of Atleti’s midfield as a replacement for Ghana international Thomas Partey who joined the Gunners on deadline day.
It could be a case of both players excelling under different circumstances.
Arsenal will hope Torreira can thrive in the Spanish capital to help raise his price-tag next summer as there is no purchase obligation in his loan deal with Simeone’s side.
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