23 July 2007, by Sean Gillen

Queiroz: “Nani and Anderson are artists before footballers”

Portuguese says Tevez will be final piece in squad jigsaw

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has heaped praise on summer signings Nani and Anderson, while admitting that Carlos Tevez would be the final piece of the squad jigsaw at Old Trafford.

The Premiership champions splashed out close to 50m euros on Portuguese winger Nani, from Sporting, and Brazilian midfielder Anderson, from FC Porto, and Queiroz believes that the club has acquired two exceptional talents.

“I have known about Nani and Anderson for a long time,” he told ManUtd.com. “They are special players with great gifts and talent.

“We believe they are two of the most qualified players of their generation in terms of being a footballer. They are skilful players. Their technique is excellent. They have great pace.

“Nani has truly outstanding speed, while Anderson has power and a fantastic left foot. Both are the kind of players that before they become players are really artists in the game.

“They are the type of players we should bring to United. Just like Ronaldo. He’s more of an artist than a player. We believe Nani and Anderson are the same type of player.”

Meanwhile, United are hoping to add Argentina striker Tevez to their squad in the near future, with legal disputes currently holding up the move, and, Queiroz shares Alex Ferguson’s admiration for the West Ham man, who performed heroically to keep the Hammers clear of relegation last season.

“As the manager has said, we believe that a player like Carlos can give us a great boost, especially in that striking area,” Queiroz revealed to Sky Sports News.

“We need one more player, there’s no doubt about that. The experience and the roots of Carlos are a little bit different (from our other signings).

“I think it will be easier for him to adapt because of how he did in the Premiership, the experience he has with West Ham. For me the most important thing is the number of years he has been playing first division games, and his contribution with the national team of Argentina.”


Related: Queiroz: “We’re building team for next decade”
Related: Anderson video
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