New Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira shares what his best position actually is

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New Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira is a versatile player but he has now answered which he feels is his best position.

There is perhaps no obvious place for Vieira to slot straight into Mikel Arteta’s best XI at present, but he can play a number of roles.

In an interview with the Athletic, Vieira was asked where he preferred to play and he said he wants to play in the hole behind a striker.

He will have competition from Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe among others for that berth next term, but with European football back at the Emirates Stadium next season, improved squad depth is needed.

Fabio Vieira shares his best position

“The manager told me he knows I can play as a midfielder – number eight or ten – or on the wing, left side or right side. They know I am a versatile player,” he said.

“I prefer number ten. It’s my real position. I’m an offensive player but I need to work on the defensive side.

“Defensive moments are very important in football, especially in the Premier League. It’s more physical, more powerful. I am focused on this.

“My coaches at Porto worked with me last season to improve my physical capacity and my concentration in defensive moments.”

Vieira looks to be a shrewd signing with the future in mind for Arsenal, and his versatility should help him adapt and get games in his first season.

It is down to him to nail down his preferred position in the side, and adjust to the increased physical demands of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Arsenal need to add another, more conservative central midfielder to their ranks and perhaps left-back cover, which would allow Nuno Tavares to head out on loan.