Fabio Vieira is having three gym sessions a week to build up his physical attributes following his summer transfer to Arsenal.
Vieira, 22, joined the Gunners from Porto in a £34million deal. A frustrating injury picked up in pre-season halted his progress, but he's since returned to fitness and impressed when called on - scoring two goals and providing one assist in seven appearances.
The Portuguese midfielder's ability is seemingly obvious, but some critics have questioned his slight frame and youthful looks. Vieira stands at 5ft 7in and the Premier League is known for being one of the most physical top-flight divisions in European football.
Yet Vieira is determined to build up his strength and become a success in English football. "It’s a different type of game in England compared to Portugal. In England it’s more physical," he said ahead of Arsenal's game against Leeds on Sunday, as quoted by 90min.
"I need to work on this and promise that’s what I am doing. Three times a week, I’m in the gym. It’s time to improve to help the team keep going, to work every day, because we are in first place and need to maintain this run.
"Everyone knows what the boss wants so the way to play is easy. When you understand the tactics and everything you need to do, the mood is much more positive."
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The Gunners have made a tremendous start to the season, winning 11 of their 12 games in all competitions to sit top of the Premier League and their Europa League group. Manchester United are the only team to beat Mikel Arteta's side this term.
Central midfield is arguably Arsenal's weakest department due to an injury to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Parety's recent fitness record. Arteta needs Vieira to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League - just in case an injury crisis unfolds.
Speaking after Vieira's debut, Arteta said: "We were looking for players that could play in three positions in the frontline and in the attacking midfielder positions. We were looking for very specific qualities in the market and when I saw him, I really liked what I saw.
"Straight away, I was convinced that he was a player who can help us go to the next level and that he had the right personality and character to play for our club.
"It’s a shame that we detected an injury when we were doing the medical. He had no pre-season and everything has been delayed, but hopefully you’re going to see a lot more of him in the next few weeks, and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it."
Vieira did well during his time at Porto, making 76 appearances and winning three trophies - including two Primeira Liga titles. He is yet to make his senior debut for Portugal but was named as the Player of the Tournament at last summer's U21 Euros.
