After his loan move back to FC Porto in the summer, Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira has now made 13 appearances for his old club, a step in the right direction.
Vieira was plagued by injuries during his final few months at Arsenal before he went out on loan, issues that continued in Portugal.
The 24-year-old hasn’t been available on a consistent basis for quite a while now, but the tide is now turning in that respect.
Arsenal fans were impressed with Vieira after footage emerged of his recent goal in the Europa League for Porto – his first goal back at his boyhood club.
Now Vieira has scored again whilst wearing the No.10 shirt for Porto, sparking praise from his manager Vitor Bruno.
Arsenal might have been playing Fabio Vieira out of position
The Arsenal loanee scored in Porto’s 2-0 win against Casa Pia in the league, thundering a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Vieira’s performance was labelled as ‘lethal’ by local media, and his manager then spoke about his positioning in the game afterwards.
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Much like his final few appearances under Mikel Arteta, Vieira has often been playing as a right-winger for Porto
However, starting as the No.10 in this win, Bruno thought the Arsenal man made a real statement when speaking via O Jogo.
Asked if the ‘real’ Vieira is best as a No.10 or as a winger, Bruno replied: “You have to ask Fabio if it was a clone of him who was here. He has a genius trait that everyone knows.
“He has to gain other qualifications due to the time he was out of action, due to the injury he had. This can only be gained through training, through playing.
“Maybe it was a message from Fabio to play inside, but he will play where he best serves the team’s interests. There are times when I will play inside, others on the outside.
“It is true that Fabio, like the whole team, had a lot of character, he didn’t deviate one millimeter and that is what I am most proud of them.”
Fabio Vieira isn’t the only Arsenal loanee who is beginning to impress
Previously, there had been some worrying reviews of Vieira’s struggles, however it looks like he’s now finding fitness and form.
That being said, Reiss Nelson is in a similar position to Vieira out on loan at Fulham.
Both have uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium at a delicate stage of their career.
Fortunately, Nelson was brilliant against Tottenham for Fulham at the weekend, producing a piece of skill that may have left some red faces in N17.
Two interesting situations for Arsenal fans to follow, and two players who might still be able to succeed under Arteta.
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