Arsenal playmaker Fabio Vieira has impressive underlying creative numbers, ones that are only bettered in the Premier League by stars Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes
Arsenal endured a frustrating weekend, drawing 2-2 against Fulham as their perfect start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign came to an end.
The talented playmaker changed the game when he came on, winning a penalty, which was eventually dispatched by Bukayo Saka, and registering an inch-perfect assist for Eddie Nketiah's goal. Vieira will hope that his impressive showing earns him more minutes in the team going forward.
The former Porto star endured a difficult debut season last term, struggling to showcase his sky-high potential on a consistent basis. However, the underlying numbers illustrate just how elite a creator he is, something that can be a huge weapon to the Gunners when facing deep blocks.
Since the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, only Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes have averaged a higher expected assists rate (xA) per 90 minutes than Vieira, according to Understat. Considering De Bruyne and Fernandes, along with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, are widely regarded as three of the league's best-attacking midfielders, those numbers are very impressive for Vieira.
"To see a player that comes with that determination and the positivity to impact the team that he had it’s difficult to see. I’m really happy for him."