Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira believes Denilson
has what it takes to become one of the best players at the club if
he is given time.
Denilson, a £3.4million signing from Brazilian side Sao Paulo,
started to establish himself as a first-team regular for the
Gunners last year before having his season cut short by a hamstring
injury.
The departure of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan this summer has
enabled the Brazilian has become an ever-present alongside Cesc
Fabregas in the Gunners midfield and he has scored twice in his 24
appearances so far this term.
Vieira spent nine seasons playing at the heart of the Arsenal
midfield and captained the Gunners to Premier League glory in the
2003-04 season, when they went the whole campaign unbeaten.
The Frenchman, who now plays under Jose Mourinho at Italian club
Inter Milan, believes the young Brazilian can fill Flamini's boots
and go on to become one of the club's best.
"He's a wonderful player. It's not going to be easy for him
because Flamini was a good player," Vieira said.
"We need to give him more time to develop as a player but he can
be one of the best players at the club. The more he plays the
better he will be.
"He is young and has so many qualities and he's only in his
first years of playing in the Premier League.
"He and Fabregas can play together, all the good players can
play together."
Arsenal have started the season poorly and are currently eight
points off the top of the league in fifth position.
Vieira believes they must start picking up points quickly if
they are to challenge for the title starting with their match with
Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday.
"It's a must win game for Arsenal," said Vieira. "They are eight
points behind and they must win this game if they are to continue
fighting for the title."
Vieira recalls his time at Arsenal fondly and believes Wenger
has been successful because he has encouraged his players to enjoy
playing together.
"I think the main strength of Arsenal over the last few years
has been having the pleasure to play together and having the
pleasure to train among ourselves," he added.
Source: Teamtalk
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The disease has spread from wenger to viera
"Wonderful" Denilson? or woeful