Comparing Arsenal’s £26.5m summer arrival to modern-day Man City legend – Who has better numbers?

Fernandinho vs Lucas Torreira – Stats and performance comparison

Manchester City have once again stormed to the top of the Premier League under Pep Guardiola and the Cityzens look destined to achieve success this campaign as well. The Cityzens romped to a 6-1 victory against Southampton in the league this weekend.

Arsenal were unable to get past Liverpool as both teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. But the Gunners have also looked superb under Unai Emery. They are unbeaten since two opening losses to Manchester City and Chelsea.

Two players who have made a massive difference to these sides is defensive midfielder Fernandinho and Lucas Torreira. Both the midfield engines have toiled hard for their teams and here we take a look at their statistical comparison.

Fernandinho has played all 11 games for Manchester City this season and has been one of the stamped on players for Pep Guardiola. Lucas Torreira made his way slowly into the starting line-up and has made just 6 starts while appearing as a substitute in others. But it’s the impact he has made in that short time that makes the Uruguayan standout.

Torreira, who joined Arsenal for £26.5m, has averaged a high pass success rate (89.4%) than Fernandinho (87.9%) in the league this season. Though the Uruguayan has played a lot lesser minutes, his passing is rarely off and has always keep the Gunners moving in transition. Fernandinho has a better long pass success rate though with the Brazilian completing 23 opposed to Torreira’s 22. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)

Both have shown superb work rate as well, with Fernandinho keeping it up at the ripe age of 33 years. Torreira is young and bright. He is 11 years younger than the Brazilian and has every chance to go on and become one of the best midfielders in the league.

The Brazilian has also contributed going forward, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists in the 11 games he’s played. Torreira, on the other hand, is yet to score his first goal for the club but has picked up 1 assist. Fernandinho has definitely made a more telling effect going forward for the team. After all, he is a Guardiola player now and they all tend to find the net. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)

Both of their defensive work has been very respectable as well. The pair is often respected for their relentless running and tracking of the ball. It’s Torreira who comes out on top though. The Uruguayan has more tackles (20) compared to Fernandinho’s (17), despite playing lesser minutes than him. Torreira has also made 18 interceptions and 68 recoveries, beating the Brazilian midfielder’s 16 and 65 recoveries. (Stats courtesy – Premier League) (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

Read more: 57 passes, 100% tackle accuracy – Arsenal linchpin’s numbers in the 1-1 draw vs Liverpool look ridiculous

There’s no doubt both players have played a pivotal role in their teams and will continue to do so. Though these numbers help put things into perspective, stats only tell us half the story. Fernandinho is a man playing at the current level even at the age of 33, while Torreira a is pure talent and will certainly make things click for the Gunners.