LONDON -- Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva said he hopes Lucas Torreira will have a similar impact at the Emirates as N'Golo Kante has had at Chelsea.
Arsenal signed Torreira from Sampdoria in July to fill a glaring hole in defensive midfield -- a position many believe they have neglected ever since Gilberto left the club a decade ago.
Although he has yet to start a game, the 5-foot-6 Torreira can be a big presence on the pitch despite his diminutive stature, Gilberto said.
"You have Kante at Chelsea, he's a small player," Gilberto said at the charity match between Arsenal and Real Madrid legends on Saturday.