Bayern Munich star David Alaba has revealed former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira to be the player he looked up to as a child while explaining how he supported the London club in the early-2000s.
Alaba and Austria kick off their Euro 2016 campaign this evening against Hungary in Bordeaux and the Bayern Munich star, who is well-known for playing left-back despite natural being a midfielder, has opened up about his childhood inspirations.
The 23-year-old has played a pivotal role for his club and country over the last four years as he covers a wide range of positions, playing just as well in each one.
Alaba occupies central midfield for Austria and has shed light on why that is his preferred position by explaining his admiration for Vieira.
“In the first place, Patrick Vieira,” Alaba said to France Football when asked to name his childhood hero. “What a player! He inspired me through his presence, his style of play, his strong personality. I was a fan of Arsenal, who dominated everything around 10 years ago.
“I only had eyes for Vieira. Our styles don’t resemble each other particularly but in this position he’s an example, notably in his way of imposing himself in duels.”
Vieira was Arsenal captain following Tony Adams’ departure in 2002. The Frenchman lifted one Premier League title in this role, which came during the famous 2003/04 season when the ‘Invincibles’ side went the entire campaign unbeaten, eventually stretching their run of games to 49 before finally tasting defeat to Manchester United the following campaign.
His final game for the club came in 2005 when he scored the winning penalty in the shootout at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
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