Fabio Vieira made a slow start to life at Porto after his arrival from Arsenal on a loan deal.
He’s grown into his role at the club, having scored for them in the 1-1 draw against Vitoria Guimaraes at the weekend. This came after he assisted in the win against Farense last week.
The Portuguese club’s boss Martin Anselmi spoke to the press after the weekend’s draw and had big praise for the Arsenal loanee.
He said, as relayed by OJogo: “I am very happy that he scored and that he enjoyed playing . He is a very important player for us, who knows what it means to represent this shirt and who takes the lead in the game.”
Anselmi also stated that Vieira is not suffering on the pitch despite playing in defensive midfield, which is a position that is new to the Gunners’ player. He also hailed the 24-year-old’s attitude.
He said: “He does not need much tactical instruction , he is playing in a somewhat new position for him, but he does not suffer from it, on the contrary.”
“I don’t know who Fabio met , but we spoke to him a lot and I consider him very important for the group on the field and, off the field, he seems to be a very serious and professional person.”
The Portuguese player has played in a host of positions at Porto, operating on either flank and also playing in attacking midfield.
Arsenal would see that as a positive, considering how Vieira will return to the Emirates at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased his loan player has operated in a host of positions and this can only help Vieira’s chances of playing for the London club next season.
