Few Arsenal fans could’ve known Lucas Torreira would prove to be such an influential player in his first season at the club.The Uruguayan joined from Sampdoria in the summer for a reported £26 million, which despite already being a relatively low fee in today’s market now looks a steal.He was made to wait for his first Premier League start until the Gunners’ sixth match of the campaign - a 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates.Simply put, Torreira hasn’t looked back since.The 22-year-old has become a vital component in Emery’s system and is becoming increasingly appreciated with every performance.Some fans have pinpointed Torreira as the exact player Arsenal have been lacking since they were last a genuine a force in English and European football.While comparisons with the commanding Patrick Vieira might be slightly premature, the defensive midfielder has highlighted his contribution to the Gunners’ run of form with some superb statistics.Sunday’s 5-1 battering of Fulham at Craven Cottage was their ninth successive victory and although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsay scored the goals, Torreira was just as impressive in other departments.He ended the match with 66 touches, 40 completed passes, six interceptions, one block and 100 per cent of his tackles and aerial duels won.It’s no wonder ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the graft Torreira is prepared to offer will serve to improve his new teammates.“Well, he’s tenacious,” he said told BT Sport, via the Express.“He’s going to cover (ground) and he’s going to give you the miles.“He’s going to play in that area that Arsenal adopt now. If they’re pushing up from behind it’s easier for the midfield players.“[Granit] Xhaka I think can then get on the ball a little bit and show some of the qualities that he has, instead of people giving him stick saying: ‘well you can’t tackle’.“Torreira can do that role for him.”

TORREIRA'S SONG

Irrespective of how he influences his colleagues, the South American could go on to quietly establish himself as one of the best in his position if he keeps this up.

Unsurprisingly, the Emirates faithful have taken a real liking to him following his brilliant start to life at the club.

And while a Torreira chant has whispered around the Emirates, the travelling fans at Craven Cottage this weekend made sure his new song has a chance of catching on.

Check out the reception Arsenal’s number 11 got after the final whistle…

The words go: "Torreira, wooooah, Torreira wooooah. He comes from Uruguay, he's only five-foot-five."

It’s not the most original of ideas, but if there’s a Premier League newcomer who deserves his own song right now, it has to be Torreira.