Arsenal loan star Fabio Vieira managed to impress again as he featured for Porto in their recent win over Estoril Praia.
The midfielder has been in some fine form as of late, featuring heavily for his side as they look to earn Champions League qualification.
As it stands, things are currently out of Porto’s hands, but they simply need to keep winning to put pressure on the top two.
The form of Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira will be key to that, having helped the side keep ticking when he features.
Some recent goal-scoring form brought praise for Vieira, but it was much less his scoring and more his all-round play that brought him plenty of plaudits from the Portuguese media over the weekend.
Portuguese media praise Fabio Vieira’s impact for FC Porto
Porto managed to return from the international break with a win in an away trip to Estoril Praia, though it wasn’t all that easy.
An early goal for the home side meant the overwhelming favourites had to battle their way back into the match.
Goals from Samu Aghehowa and Rodrigo Mora ensured that Porto won the match to kickstart their final run-in for the season.
While he didn’t grab a goal involvement, Fabio Vieira came in for plenty of praise from the media for his display.
Portuguese outlet A Bola gave the midfielder a solid six rating out of ten, stating: “Another good performance for Porto at Amoreira.
“He was always one of the most active players in midfield, he tried to shoot, looked for alternatives and was often hit by fouls, particularly in the first half.
“He had a great shot in the 24th minute and in the 63rd minute he passed it to Perez on a platter, which would have made it 2-1. He seemed to decline physically as the second half progressed.”
While it may not have included the goal involvement he would’ve wanted, the display did outline a key change for Vieira.
That being his ability to continue to stick around and get involved in a game, something that is key for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
If the midfielder doesn’t leave the Gunners permanently in the summer, then perhaps that ability will be key moving forward.
Fabio Vieira transfer future could depend on next Porto match
It’s fair to say that Vieira hasn’t quite had the time he would’ve envisioned at Arsenal, with his struggles to break into the team.
The midfielder has looked to build on a difficult few years with his loan move to Porto, one that has worked out so far.
Whether he can stay is another matter, though, given the difficulties over a potential financial package for the star.
Champions League qualification may be key to Porto landing Vieira permanently this summer, a goal that isn’t impossible but will need a turnaround.
The side currently sit third, six points behind Benfica in the second Champions League space and with an extra game played.
Any hope of a place in the top two will depend on beating Benfica next up, outlining just how crucial the tie is.
For Vieira, his Porto future could depend on a win and then a swing or two in results.
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