Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal have been using Fabio Vieira in various positions in training as they try to figure out how best to deploy his considerable talent.
Landed out of the blue from Porto for a hefty €40 million price tag, supporters are intrigued by what the Portugal under-21 international can bring to the table but have had to be patient while he recovers from a foot injury.
Judging by his participation in first team training this week and comments from the manager on the eve of Arsenal’s match with Leicester, Vieira is edging closer to full fitness and a potential debut.
Like everyone of a Gunners’ persuasion, Arteta is waiting to see how the new boy adapts to life in England and what he can bring to Arsenal’s playing style.
“I think that’s something the player is going to tell us,” responded Arteta when asked about the player’s best position.
“We already have tried him in training in different positions, he’s played on the left, the right, as a false 9, an attacking midfielder, it’s good.
“He doesn’t want to be locked into any one position as well because he’s so used to it. That’s a really positive thing for us.”
Standing 5ft 6 inches tall and with a slight frame, there are question marks about quickly Vieira will learn to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.
“I don’t know,” said Arteta when asked how long it might take to adapt. “That’s a question that’s very difficult to respond to right now.
“It might take him no time and he starts to get there depending on who he’s playing with, how the game goes and how quickly he’s going to adapt.
“What I can tell you is that he’s doing everything he can to make that process really, really short.”
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For those looking to learn more about Vieira, we can heartily recommend this video by the boys at Tifo Football.
Who is Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira, and how does he play?
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— Tifo Football (@TifoFootball_) August 12, 2022
Excellent analysis, without a straightforward conclusion. Can’t wait to see him on the ball! COYG!
Maybe the next Santi?!
I really hope so.
had no idea he had played as a striker!
Which is perhaps why we won’t need to sign a third striker.
With a price so high for a player who was not a regular starter for Porto, it must mean a lot of smart football people saw a huge potential. The tifo analysis is really consistent with that. You can never be sure, but it sounds like someone who could be an important player, not just a starter.
Play him as many positions as he can
All those online anti Arsenal cretins who are currently taking the piss out of his build are so going to pay for their words…..
Is he the upgrade on Maitland-Niles?
Upgrade on Laca more like.
Playing him in all these positions means he has a “total football” brain, and that’s exciting.
Obviously his frame is the concern. My own boy is the smallest and skinniest on his competitive U-13 team and it means he can’t impact the team enough to lock down a starting spot even though he’s technically sound and very smart.
Let’s hope for the best. Bernardo Silva 2.0 would be great!
David Silva says hi..
Not comparing with Santi. Though he was short, he was built strong.
Absolutely, but some scrawny little types suffer more than others.
Santi was not scrawny though.
I suppose how he adapts really depends on how the referees react when some thuggish Neanderthal tries to chop his legs off.
Those are exceptional numbers for having only started 12 games. 14 assists?? Sure that’s right yeah? 🤔
5’6”? I hadn’t processed that. Let’s hope he is Santi 2!
He does not look 5.6 more like 5.10. I think the height measurement on the internet is old. He looks the same height standing next to Martinelli and Saka who are both over 5.10