Fabio Vieira has compared himself to Bernardo Silva ahead of Arsenal's clash with Sporting CP in the Europa League. The 22-year-old joined the Gunners in the summer from Porto for around £34million, signing a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite only starting two Premier League games this season, Vieira has helped the north London outfit mount a title charge. Arsenal are currently defending a five-point lead at the top of the table but they must face Manchester City once more before the end of the campaign.
While Vieira and Silva may be title rivals, the Gunners midfielder heaped great praise on his fellow countryman in an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo. He said: "He’s an extraordinary player, I know him very well. I think we are similar players, with similar qualities. Of course I admire him."
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Vieira was also quizzed on the challenges he faced in joining Arsenal while carrying a knock. The Portugal international's pre-season was disrupted by a foot injury; at the start of July, he was spotted wearing a protective boot on his left foot.
"I got here injured," Vieira said. "It's always different for a new player, arriving here, in a new country, a different culture, everything is different.
"It was difficult, but after a few months I'm ready, I'm enjoying it, I've already developed a lot and I'm here to help the team. When you arrive injured, you are always one step behind the others. I think it's a matter of time, to be there, help the team, show my qualities."
Despite a tough start to life at London Colney, Arteta is pleased with Vieira's progress and has admitted that he's giving 'big headaches'. Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka have performed excellently in midfield for Arsenal this term, making themselves at home in the No. 8 roles — the position which the Portuguese star is best in.
"He is starting to give me big headaches because I see every single day what he is capable of doing," the Gunners boss said. "A tremendous player; he now understands exactly what we want and physically he is in a condition to compete at the right level in this league.
"He brings qualities that we don’t have in the squad. Very eager to give him more [minutes]."
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