'This kid can do anything': Joe Cole stunned by Arsenal player who has started just three games this season
Joe Cole was seriously impressed by Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira, who starred in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League last night.
Mikel Arteta made eight changes as European football returned to the Emirates for the first time since May 2021. Arsenal were made to work hard by the Norwegian giants, but they got the job done in the end thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and new signing, Vieira.
Joe Cole praises Arsenal star Fabio Vieira after his performance vs Bodo/Glimt
Vieira started just his third game for Arsenal last night, and he was superb.
He missed a very good chance early on in the game but made amends with a wonderful assist for Rob Holding's goal. Vieira then scored a goal himself after Gabriel Jesus' outrageous skill in the box late in the game.
Joe Cole, who covered the game as a pundit for BT Sport last night, was truly blown away by the 22-year-old's performance in attacking midfield.
He said after the game, as quoted by The Metro: "Everything he does, he's one of those technicians where everything is with purpose. He's one of them, an absolute velvet left foot, this kid can do anything. He's got the competition in Martin Odegaard, one of the club captains, part of the leadership group, but this guy is a fantastic player."
Arsenal legend Martin Keown added: "'I thought tonight he's started to show some really nice touches. I know Odegaard is the club captain now, he [Arteta] has left them on the pitch together, so there's quite a battle there to see which one is going to come through.
"They've spent quite a bit of money on him. This is where the Europa League is absolutely perfect for the next player and the next level that's going to nurture and bring through."
Our View:
Vieira really was excellent for Arsenal last night.
The Portuguese midfielder was brilliant on the ball, worked incredibly hard and his cross for Holding's goal was simply sensational. He could've scored a hat-trick, but after two missed opportunities, he finally found the net in the end.
Apart from his goal and assist, Vieira had 37 touches of the ball, completed every single one of his 16 attempted passes, registered three key passes and created two big chances. (SofaScore)
It was a fantastic display by the 22-year-old, who's slowly showing why Mikel Arteta and Edu spent over £30 million (Sky Sports) to sign him in the summer.
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