Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez has brought the team to a new level, Lucas Torreira has said.
Both men made the move to the Wanda Metropolitano over the course of the summer, with Suarez joining up after his controversial Barcelona exit and compatriot Torreira arriving in the Spanish capital from Arsenal.
While Atleti have been a thorn in the side of Barcelona and Real Madrid for the duration of Diego Simeone’s time at the helm, the addition of Suarez means they are a more serious rival than ever to the Clasico duo.
Indeed, his influence was some of the reason that the midfielder went to Spain.
“My negotiations lasted until the last day of the transfer market but I had already been talking to Luis,” he told AS.
“His arrival has given the team an important bonus because of everything he brings as a player. He has a great track record and has a lot of respect.
“He’s one of the best strikers in the world and it’s not by chance that he’s the third-top scorer in the history of Barcelona.
“Personally, being a team-mate of him for club and country is something I really enjoy. Honestly, I try to learn all day from him and make the most of having him there.”
Torreira’s claims are reflected by the league table, which sees Atletico Madrid in third place on 17 points, ahead of both Real Madrid and Barca. Indeed, Los Colchoneros have two games in hand over leaders Real Sociedad, who are three points clear of them.
Meanwhile, he reflected on what Simeone has asked of him.
“Commitment, dedication, camaraderie and a desire to give everything,” he said. “That is something that is non-negotiable in this team. And not only here, but everywhere. Every time I wear a shirt, I defend it to death. Today I am here to fight, help the team and show why they brought me and trusted me.”
Simeone’s side, meanwhile, finished up for the international break in excellent form, picking up four successive league wins and moving into second in Champions League Group A behind last year’s winners Bayern Munich.
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