Cape Town – Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira says he is honoured to be compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

The 22-year-old has been impressive in his first season for the Gunners, putting in some solid displays.

Under new Arsenal manager Unai Emery, the Premier League club are going from strength to strength, and Torreira is enjoying his time in London

The former Pescara and Sampdoria man started Arsenal's last six Premier League games, having begun the season on the bench.

And ahead of facing Sporting in the Europa League on Thursday, Torreira told Sky Sports: "If the fans are comparing me and my game to Patrick Vieira, that's amazing. It makes me very proud, but I need to grow a bit before I can be as tall as him!

"But he's an amazing player, I remember getting up in the mornings in Uruguay to watch him. I feel very happy and am looking to help the team."

He added: "I'm trying to improve as a player and do what's best for the team. Right now, we're doing very well so it's just about doing that."

Arsenal are on a 14-match winning streak in all competitions, with Torreira continuing: "I really hope that we can achieve some really big goals this season. We are obviously competing in four competitions, so really it's a case of so far so good."