(The Mirror)
By. Dylan Gosse
Porto has recently confirmed their sale of Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira to Premier League side, Arsenal, with the Gunners ready to announce the player on July 1st. Arsenal seems to be going big this summer transfer window after just missing out on a Champions League spot to their rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.
After Marquinhos (3.5 million Euros) and Vieira (40 million Euros) already signed, and more big names on their radar, Arteta’s side looks to be going all out to push for a Champions League return for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
So who exactly is Fabio Vieira and how will he fit into and improve this Arsenal squad?
After scoring 61 goals in the 2021/22 Premier League season compared to Manchester City with 99, Arteta is looking to bring in players that can improve their goal-scoring record. The Spaniard claimed that Arsenal must score ‘90 to 100 goals at least’ in order to compete for the Premier League title. This is where Fabio Vieira comes in, along with many other talented attributes.
Fabio Vieira is predominantly a forward player, playing in the number 10 role or as a right-wing, but has also played in an attacking number 8 position or center forward role. Much like Martin Ødegaard, but where the Norwegian attacking midfielder lacks in shooting, Vieira excels. He can strike the ball quite well, scoring from any position and not just with technique, but power as well.
Although the player is left-footed on paper, he is almost as accurate with his right foot as well, which was seen in FC Porto’s title defending game, where Vieira placed a one-time shot with his right foot into the bottom corner to pull the team back into the game against Sporting CP.
(VSPORTS - Liga Portugal)
Vieira finished the Primeira Liga season with 6 goals in 27 matches, only starting in 15 games, compared to Ødegaard who scored 7 goals in 36 matches for Arsenal in the Premier League.
However, where the Portuguese player truly excels is in his vision, passing, and finding the open space. The player likes to take his opponents on with his low center of gravity, super quick feet, and incredible agility to get past players. Many are already comparing him to Bernardo Silva, and if that is true, then Arsenal fans have a lot to look forward to in this upcoming season.
Much like his assist against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals, Vieira’s vision and chance creation are quick and accurate. Although Arteta and Arsenal fans have come to love Ødegaard, the Norwegian sometimes lacks the ability to play quick counter balls like we have seen Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold do time and time again. Vieira can do this and similarly to De Bruyne, is able to do so with both feet.
Fabio finished the Primeira Liga season with 14 assists in 27 games, with many of these coming off the bench. This is a player that Arteta can work with and use in his side to create more goal-scoring opportunities.
(World Soccer Talk)
That being said, the question remains of how Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, will use Vieira in the upcoming 2022/23 season. Ødegaard and Saka have fermented themselves as starters for the Gunners but with Arsenal qualifying for Europa League this season, they will need to be giving more players their deserved rest time.
This is where Fabio comes into play, covering for Ødegaard and Saka after it was confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe and Martinelli will be the starting left-wingers for the club this upcoming season. As the Portuguese midfielder is new to the Premier League, Arteta will likely use him as a rotation player in the time being for Vieira to adapt to the league and give the starters some rest time.
Viera can make a huge impact off the bench as a dead ball specialist, being able to take free kicks, penalties, and corners from both sides. Fabio Vieira is also not one to go down easily. As Arsenal fans know, Arteta loves players that fight for each other and want to win every game.
(VSPORTS - Liga Portugal)
Some Gunners may be worried that his build is much like Ødegaard, where the Norwegian was bodied off the ball quite easily many times last season. However, Vieira does not hide from a tackle, he goes in and has that ‘fight’ in him.
If Arsenal can make a few more key signings this summer transfer window, specifically up top, Fabio Vieira will be a very effective player and will fit Arteta’s playstyle very well. With the proper striker, Vieira may see a large number of assists and some goals from the center attacking midfield or right-wing position.
All in all, with many remarkable attributes and amazing ability, Vieira will fit in with Arteta’s Arsenal squad quite nicely and Gunner fans around the world should be excited to see what comes of him next season!
Comments