Midway through the second half of Uruguay’s World Cup round-of-16 match with Portugal, with the South Americans desperately defending their 2-1 lead, it looked as if Cristiano Ronaldo would pick up possession on the edge of the penalty area with the chance of a shot at goal. New Arsenal signing Lucas Torreira had other ideas. Despite lying prostrate on the floor, he flung his body towards the ball and just about managed to make contact with it, using the side of his head to steal it off Ronaldo’s toe. It was a stunning show of commitment to the cause, of desire to win whatever the cost to his own physical wellbeing. It was a perfect demonstration of why Uruguay, a nation of just over three million people, consistently punch so far above their weight in international football. That game was only Torreira’s third start for Uruguay – before the World Cup he had made just three substitute appearances in friendlies – but he already showed full understanding of what it means to pull on the sky-blue shirt. And more importantly for Arsenal fans, he gave them a taste of exactly what it is he will bring to the Emirates next season. In Torreira’s homeland, they call that sort of attitude Garra Charrua, a reference to the indomitable warrior spirit of the native Charrua people who lived on the land before the arrival of European settlers. Upon his presentation in north London, the man signed from Sampdoria for £22m was asked to define exactly what Garra Charrua is. “It is a way of living football,” he replied, “it is the way all Uruguayans grow up, it is the way we play football in our neighbourhoods.”

“We give all we have to our football,” he added, “our jersey and our country. We do our best because every time we go on the pitch we represent our family and friends, the most important people for us.”

Those words will be like music to the ears of Gunners fans. Since the departure of Gilberto Silva in 2008, the team has not had a midfielder like Torreira, who will diligently protect the back four, providing defensive balance and using all of his force and energy to do the work that means other, more creative players can shine. Physically, Torreira is a long way from Silva or his predecessor, Patrick Vieira, coming in at just 5’6'. But what he lacks in stature he makes up for with determination, tenacity and a surprisingly mature understanding of the game for a player who is just 22 years old.