06 Sep 2024 22:41:46
Intrigued by the reference to Viera in a recent reply, I may be wrong, but I remember Viera (and also Keane) sitting alongside a more defensive midfielder. Viera had Petit, then, I think, Silva? Keane had Butt etc.
Viera and Keane could tackle, but were old-fashioned box to box midfielders. That’s why I don’t think the comparisons between Gravenberch and Viera are lazy - both athletic, tall, ball carriers with superb positional sense and passing ability. But it’s early days for Gravenberch - he has the potential to reach Viera’s levels, but it will take time.
07 Sep 2024 03:26:02
Admittedly I've not seen your first three games, but he must have been utterly phenomenal in them for you to make such a comparison.
07 Sep 2024 05:08:46
I mean he has played well but Viera was a top, top player, he has a very long way to go to even come close.
07 Sep 2024 08:04:00
I mentioned Viera in a previous thread with regards to Gravenberch.
I most certainly did not compare the two and I find that a bit of a lazy interpretation of my comment.
I simply said a couple of times, with the way he took the ball and strode out turning defence into attack with a few long strides, reminded me of Viera.
I think he has started the season extremely well and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the role.
07 Sep 2024 10:01:26
Grav ain't Viera, mate. Not yet, anyway. People forget that Vieira sufferred the same thing Grav sufferred at Bayern when he moved from AS Cannes to the might AC Milan team with world stars and current legends of the game up and down the shop in the mid 90's when he was 21. He had a horrid time at Milan. It was Wenger who swooped in and saved his career and within a few years, he became the don that we all like to remember.
If Grav can get anywhere near Vieira's level in his pomp, he would do well, IMO cos Grav definitely has the talent. Physicality?, Not sure yet but he is still young and can always grow. let's just pump the brakes, shall we?
07 Sep 2024 12:04:18
Why are people trying to compare the two?
I simply pointed out that there is one small part of Gravenberch's game that reminds me of the way Viera did it.
07 Sep 2024 23:27:18
I am responsible for this ridiculous comparison between Viera and Gravenberch. I think one poster, fairly in my view, compared their playing styles - and I don’t think it’s a mad one. Long-limbed players, who can counter-attack with venom. Gravenberch has many miles to cross before he can be compared to Viera - but he has the tools.