++ [ originally posted by Andy ] ++
I think I concur with Dixon. When looking at both players I would have to say Vieira has the better ball skills and passing range, although Emerson can hit some decent passes as well. Emerson is indeed not only a simple ball winner, however he can certainly do that job very well, and his strength in the tackle supports that claim. Both Vieira and Emerson can basically do it all in midfield, and that is why I'm very pleased to have both of them controling the middle because playing a straight 4 in midfield calls for the central middies to be equally adept at attacking and defending, otherwise things may become unbalanced. We saw that last season with Blasi having to control the ball under pressure around the opponent's box, and that rarely worked out. Thank God we have Patrick now.