‘By far the best’ – Arsenal loanee proves Mikel Arteta wrong as Portugal’s media give Fabio Vieira more glowing reviews

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Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira is impressing with his performances at Porto, after enduring a difficult start to this season in Portugal.

The midfielder struggled for minutes initially in the Primeira Liga this campaign, but has begun to establish himself as an important member of Martin Anselmi’s side.

Portuguese media raved about Vieira’s performance last week, making an impact off the bench for Porto against Sporting.

He’s gone one better this week, starting for the European giants away at Farense, delivering an assist and earning more plaudits.

• READ MORE: Rating every player on loan from Arsenal’s chances of playing for the Gunners again

Portuguese media praise Arsenal star Fabio Vieira for Porto performance

Arsenal were considering recalling Vieira in January, but Mikel Arteta ultimately opted not to explore this option included in his loan deal with Porto.

Kai Havertz is now out for the season, meaning the Gunners are severely depleted in attacking areas, and thus the Spaniard may be regretting this decision not to bring Vieira back to the Emirates.

Starting in Poro’s double pivot, the 24-year-old creative midfielder delivered an exceptional display against Farense on Sunday.

Assisting the game’s only goal for Francisco Moura, Vieira earned more positive reviews from prominent Portuguese media outlets.

A Bola rewarded Vieira with a seven in their player ratings, writing: “He had the only dangerous chances in the first half and he was also largely to blame for FC Porto’s goal, as he was fouled and took the free kick. In the 72nd minute he hit the post and is increasingly looking like the Fábio Vieira we know.”

The same outlet also described the Arsenal man as ‘by far the best’ Porto player on the night alongside Moura and goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Evidently a fantastic showing from Vieira, the Gunners certainly could’ve used his creativity and guile in midfield, particularly with Martin Odegaard struggling for form.

Fabio Vieira has proven Mikel Arteta wrong

With Arteta openly stating that Arsenal could’ve recalled Vieira, it was clearly a conscious decision from the manager and the Emirates hierarchy not to do so.

However, Raheem Sterling has been in diabolical form, and the tactician surely would’ve found a way to use Vieira over the Englishman out wide.

It’s possible that Arteta had queries about Vieira’s ability to cope with the physicality of the Premier League, after struggling to do so in his first two years in the English football, but he’s showing in Portugal that his technical level is outstanding.

Arsenal are in desperate need of reinforcements, and Vieira was one they could’ve done that wouldn’t have scuppered their future plans and would’ve been convenient and easy to enact.