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Carlos Vela: Martin O’Neill makes Arsenal claim during Brazil vs Mexico
CARLOS VELA’s lack of physical strength is typical of the Mexico team and is a big reason why he failed at Arsenal.
That is the opinion of ITV pundit and Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.
Vela started for Mexico in their World Cup last-16 clash against Brazil today.
O’Neill is fan of the Mexico team and has been impressed with them so far in the tournament.
But he says they are not physical enough to go much further and expected Brazil to win the tie.
Brazil vs Mexico LIVE: World Cup score updates
Vela for instance, he wasn’t all that impressive really at Arsenal, he’s now playing for LA I think it is
And he used Vela, who now plays for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, as an example.
“I think they’re lovely footballers Mexico, really nice players,” he said.
“I just think they’re a little bit lightweight.
“I’m not saying that Brazil will steamroller them, but I think in terms of strength, that would be my biggest concern about them today, that they don’t have the physical strength.
“If you think of Vela for instance, he wasn’t all that impressive really at Arsenal, he’s now playing for LA I think it is.
“Those things, I think Brazil can come on to the big game today, and I expect Brazil to win.”
Vela left Arsenal in 2012 after seven years at the club.
He scored 11 times in all competitions for the Gunners.
The 29-year-old played for Real Sociedad for five years before moving to MLS earlier this year.