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Emile Smith Rowe believes Arsenal have a top star in Fabio Vieira, likening the 22-year-old to Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
THE LOWDOWN: ANOTHER ATTACKING ADDITION
Arsenal completed a surprise move swoop for Fabio Vieria in June after concluding a £34milion deal with Porto.
The 22-year-old excelled with the Portuguese giants last term, scoring six goals and supplying 14 assists in the LIGA NOS.
The signing of Vieira was completed at the request of Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners boss eager to bolster his options in the creative unit at the Emirates. The Spaniard will now hope that Vieira can replicate immediate impact made by fellow compatriots in Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes for Arsenal.
Vieira has drawn comparisons to Bernardo Silva in particular, with Emile Smith Rowe describing both players as very similar in talent and abilities.
THE LATEST: LIKENED TO A TOP NAME
Some Arsenal fans might have little to no knowledge of Vieira but it is not the same within the club’s ranks. He is a familiar face even from afar and has even shared the same pitch with Smith Rowe, though as opponents on the international stage.
Now teammates, both players might battle it out for a spot in the Arsenal starting lineup but that has not stopped the Englishman from heaping praise on the new signing, while categorically comparing him to a top midfield name in the Premier League.
In a recent interview with the Evening Standard, Smith Rowe said:
“He’s very similar [to Silva]. He’s a very good passer of the ball, his left foot is very good and he likes to create goals and score them himself.”
“I’ve already played against him at international level, so I can’t speak highly enough of him, and the fans should be really excited.”
“At the Euro Under-21s, they [Portugal] beat us 2-0 and he was unbelievable in that game.”
THE VERDICT: COMPETITION IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE
It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta plans to use Vieira, with his versatility presenting the opportunity to see him fit in effectively in several formations. Going by Smith Rowe’s comments though, we could see more of the Portuguese attacker on the flanks.
With both players battling for a direct spot in the attacking midfielder and wing roles, it is indeed some selfless praise from Smith Rowe. The 21-year-old was one of Arsenal’s best players at some point before seeing his momentum cut short by Covid-19 and injuries back in December. He struggled to regain his place in the starting lineup, amidst a great run of form shown by Gabriel Martinelli.
Ample competition in the attacking department will mean everyone must be at their best to be deserving of a starting spot and there will be no preferential treatment.
Arsenal fans should not think too much of the ‘Bernardo Silva’ tag but the early signals are that Vieira could yet end up as a bargain deal for the club.
