Patrick Vieira is of course an Arsenal legend and a player who, for the most part, Arsenal have failed to replace.
The Frenchman was one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation and was integral to Arsenal’s success under Arsene Wenger.
Vieira has, of course, since retired and has swapped playing for management. The former midfielder is currently at the helm of Crystal Palace.
Palace face Manchester City on Saturday and, ahead of the game, Vieira was asked which current footballers remind him of himself.
The Frenchman was pressed on which stars playing the game today remind him of himself, to which he replied: “Xhaka at Arsenal, I think he is a team player, I think he is somebody you may not notice, you may not mention a lot but he is doing really hard work for the team.”
Vieira also leapt to the defence of the Swiss international after his meltdown in 2019, adding: “I know how good he is, and he will come through this difficult period because he’s a strong man. He’s a good player, and he will show how good he is.’’
And, whilst he is no longer captain, he is one of the most experienced options in a very young Gunners side.
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