Is Lucas Torreira set for a season of struggle at Arsenal?

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Lucas Torreira has endured a tricky start to the new season at Arsenal.

The tenacious Uruguayan is currently fighting for his place in the starting XI, with Matteo Guendouzi having really impressed so far.

The Frenchman’s form has limited Torreira to just two starts in the Premier League so far, and the early signs are that he faces a tough season at the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka, for all the recent criticism of him, has the backing of his teammates and Unai Emery and now wears the captain’s armband, suggesting his place in the team is relatively safe.

Guendouzi is going from strength to strength and the manager is clearly a big fan of the fearless youngster.

On Monday night against Manchester United, Torreira started in a slightly more advanced position but was hooked before the hour mark.

It was a chance for him to show there is perhaps another side to his game, but he was completely ineffective.

TBR’s view

The £26 million signing from Sampdoria (BBC Sport) could well struggle this year on the basis of what’s happened so far.

With a special young talent and a club captain ahead of him for his desired position, he may well have to get used to a role on the bench, as he can’t possibly play with the pair at the expense of a creative midfielder such as Dani Ceballos or Mesut Ozil.

Most Arsenal fans would love to see Torreira in alongside Guendouzi at the expense of Xhaka, but him being bestowed the captaincy and Emery’s stubbornness undoubtedly limit the 23-year-old’s starting prospects.