Among the many stories the Portuguese media today features ahead of the Champions League clash between FC Porto and Arsenal, there’s an interview with Gunners’ legend Gilberto Silva.
The Brazilian, who was part of the Invincibles squad, talked to O Jogo about his feelings for the upcoming match and his opinion on the London side’s current squad.
When asked about Arsenal’s best players who could present Porto some danger, Gilberto Silva made it clear he’s a big fan of Declan Rice, and even made a huge compliment to the duo formed with Thomas Partey.
“The centre-back pairing is strong, Saka is the star, although he looks a bit worn out to me. He and Martinelli are very important up front. But I’d highlight Rice as the key man, he’s adapted very well. He’s a great boss and I’m looking forward to seeing him play with Partey. I think they could complement each other like me and Vieira,” Gilberto Silva told O Jogo.
The former midfielder was also asked about Fabio Vieira, and said that the Portuguese player needs to fulfil his potential.
“He’s a great player, but in terms of his style and the coach’s vision, he’s very close to Odegaard. You have good ideas and dynamics, but he has to recognise that and the quality he has. I think he’ll be utilised more, he’s got enormous ability, he just needs to get loose.”
As for Mikel Arteta, Silva claimed that the manager is on the right path to success, as he had a bid advantage when he first took charge of the club.
“It was difficult, they lived with Wenger for 22 years and when he left, there was already discontent. It was difficult to find a coach who would fit in with the philosophy, who would absorb it. Emery is a great coach, but he wasn’t happy at first. It favoured Arteta to get to know the culture of the club better from the inside, knew how to adjust things faster. It’s worked well, it’s brought the club back to the top after so many years out of the top four or even the top six.”
Porto and Arsenal play the first leg of the Champions League’s round-of-16 on Wednesday at the Estádio do Dragão. The decisive leg will take place on the 12th of March at the Emirates Stadium.
