While Arsenal suffer from an injury crisis in the forward areas, Fabio Vieira continues to catch the eye with his performance on loan at Porto.
Initially struggling to break into the Portuguese giants’ team, the creative midfielder has now established himself as a prominent figure for the Primeira Liga outfit.
Portuguese media raved about Vieira’s performance last week, describing him as ‘by far the best’ Porto player in their game against Farense, registering an important assist.
He’s bettered that this week, scoring a stunning goal against Vitoria de Guimaraes at home, earning more praise from Portugal’s major football media outlet.
Portugal’s media heap praise on ‘genius’ Arsenal star Fabio Viera
After struggling to earn regular minutes under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates last season, Arsenal shipped Vieira out on loan to Porto.
Taking a while to settle back in in his home nation, the playmaker has begun to thrive in a blue and white shirt in recent weeks.
Arsenal could’ve recalled Vieira in January, but they opted to allow him to continue enjoying a fine season for his boyhood club.
Deployed in Porto’s double pivot on Sunday evening against Vitoria, the 24-year-old delivered an exceptional display.
While Martin Anselmi’s side were unable to secure all three points, Vieira broke the deadlock with a sensational goal in the 67th minute, cutting inside and curling a beauty beyond Bruno Varela in the Vitoria goal.
Earning plaudits from A Bola, the Portuguese publication gave the Arsenal loanee the man of the match accolade, writing: “The extraordinary goal by the creative player on loan from Arsenal brought hope that the first victory in the League in 2025, at Dragão, would finally be celebrated in communion with the fans.
“The number 10 of the blue and whites was in the spotlight, alternating between the wings, where he confused the defensive organisation of the Vitória team, and the centre of the field, a space that he dominates like few others and where, perhaps, a greater investment in order to exploit all his talent would be justified.
“Even so, the magic moment occurred in a play in which he appeared slightly off balance on the right. With a precise and well-placed shot, he deflected enough to measure Bruno Varela’s goal and score.
“It was a moment of pure genius, but not enough to guarantee the outcome desired by FC Porto.”
The outlet wasn’t the only source of praise for Vieira’s performance.
Porto boss Anselmi chimed in, waxing lyrical about the showing from the player: “I’m very happy that he scored and that he enjoyed playing. He’s a very important player for us, who knows what it’s like to represent this shirt and who takes the lead in the game.
“He doesn’t need much tactical instruction, he’s playing in a position that’s somewhat new to him, but he doesn’t suffer from it, quite the opposite.
“I think he’s very important for the group on the pitch and, off the pitch, he seems like a very serious and professional person.”
Arsenal will be ruing not recalling Fabio Vieira
These comments on Vieira are a far cry from what Arsenal fans witnessed of him when the player was plying his trade in North London.
However, he’s clearly enjoying his football and showcasing what he can do when he’s entrusted to play regularly.
| Vieira’s Primeira Liga Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.16 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.6 |
| Fouls Drawn per 90 | 1.2 |
Back at home, Arsenal are in trouble.
Kai Havertz is out for the season, while Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are all out injured.
Raheem Sterling is in bad form, and thus the Gunners are struggling to create the requisite chances needed to overcome Premier League level opposition.
Arsenal could’ve done with the option of Vieira in their squad right now, with his creativity on the ball and ability to play wide or centrally certainly useful assets Arteta could’ve utilised.
The Gunners may not have wanted to hinder their summer transfer plans by making a rash signing in January, but bringing Vieira back to the Emirates wouldn’t have done so.
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