"?David Alaba has revealed that former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera was his childhood icon growing up, "?Squawka reports.
The Bayern Munich star is widely considered to be one of the world's best left-backs, although he prefers playing centrally.
The 23-year-old is currently preparing to face Hungary with Austria at the European Championships and he is set to be given the chance to impress in the midfield anchor role.
Alaba will be determined to help his team record a victory and he revealed he takes inspiration from Gunners legend Viera.
When asked to name his favourite player growing up, he told France Football "In the first place, Patrick Viera. 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 Viera. 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."
Viera spent nine successful years with the Gunners and he captained them to glory in the Premier League and the FA Cup before he joined Juventus.
The combative midfielder famously won the World Cup in 1998, and the Euros in 2000, and Alaba will undoubtedly be hoping to emulate his hero this summer.