It’s been ages since Arsenal saw another Mesut Ozil marauding forward and thwarting defenders with his silky movements and dribbles and panache to score goals. They tried to cover up with Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli but no one even came close to emulating the German. But the tide seems to have changed and after acquiring Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, Mikel Arteta can breathe a sigh of relief.
Why didn’t we hear of this Left Footed Midfielder Before?
Vieira was not on the map till the second half of the season after the departure of his teammate Luis Diaz to heavyweight club Liverpool. Until then, he went under the radar. After the Portuguese’s departure, we came to know who Fabio Vieira is. We will find more about the man who has 6 goals and 11 assists to his name.
Which Position does Vieira Play?
Vieira who has a namesake in the form of club legend Patrice Vieira is not like the legend. He is a nimble-footed, versatile, and attacking threat of a playmaker who is going to add depth to the already boasting squad of Arteta’s. He plays as an attacking midfielder but doesn’t have any problem in dropping to a striker position to help his team or playing as an all-out midfielder if his team needs him.
Looking at his seasonal heatmap for the 2021/22 season, we can see his attacking and defensive contribution and his touches.
Who is Fabio Vieira?
Like every Portuguese youngster, Vieira started his early footballing career with Porto Junior. The kid from Santa Maria da Feria made his professional adult debut in the world of football with Porto B in February 2019. The following year i.e in June 2020, he started for the first team and played for the European giants for 2 years before the Red and White team from England called Arsenal came knocking at Porto’s doorstep and were able to prise the Portuguese away for 40 mil dollars. He will be donning the number 21 jersey while playing for Arsenal.
Where Did He Score Goals?
Though he is an attacking midfielder, he has the luxury to play as a striker or a false 9 and he has scored in every possible way, whether it may be headed goals, long-shot goals, from set pieces, or tap — ins, he has done it all. He has scored goals as well as contributed to assists, as he has 11 of them this season. At Arsenal, he will have Saka, new joinee Gabriel Jesus and ESR around him, so the fans can expect a flurry of goals and assists from him. Mikel Arteta is indeed building up a young and exciting squad that is capable of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool and rest of the Europe.
Passing ?
He has created 14 big chances for his team, whether it may be through key passes, through balls, or progressive passes, he has done it all. Fabio poses a danger to his opponents. He is flexible enough to let his teammates carry the ball forward to shoot for a goal or shot with his slick passes or ‘ no look’ passes are something to look out for. He has a pass accuracy of 83%, but it can be honed even further under Arteta. Arteta termed him as a ‘special talent’ and it’ll be something to look out for this season. Keep your eyes peeled for his link-up play with Saka and co because he is an attacking midfielder so expect him to progress the ball forward through carries and passes. He is a decent dribbler as he has made 0.4 dribblings per 90 past opposition in the game.
Arteta is building up an attacking squad this season.
Pass Map of Fabio Vieira
How he is in Defending the ball?
The Portuguese is decent while defending the ball. He has made 0.7 interceptions per game. He has made 19 tackles out of which he won 15 of them, taking his tally to 1.01 per 90. He is decent with duels as he won 54% of the total duels. He had made 55% of ground duels. He uses his strength to dispossess the opponents, even though he is a versatile attacking midfielder, he does not have any problem getting his hands dirty. He is decent in the air as he won 44% of aerial duels which he contested. He won 8 duels taking his tally to 0.6 contested aerially.
Verdict
Arteta finally got a man who has all the technical nous to be a great player and even emulate the legendary Mesut Ozil.
All he needs is to hone his skill, and he can be one of the best starlets. With incomings coming in the form of Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, and him to Emirates Arteta has a young and exciting squad at his disposal to challenge for the throne i.e Premier League. All the big clubs should take notice because Arsenal is back, and it will be challenging for a Champions League spot with Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and new entrants Newcastle.
This season, instead of the top 4 it’ll be a top 6 race. With almost a month and a half left for the new season to begin, expect new entrants and departures to happen. But watch this space for a new and strong Arsenal squad to make a lot of noise.
