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Have Arsenal unearthed the complete midfielder?

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It’s strange. Abou Diaby has been at Arsenal since 2006, yet he has received few laudatory notices until recent times. Just how does a player who has spent eight seasons at a top club, making 180 appearances, continue to fly under the radar?

It’s not fair to label him a perennial under achiever. I’d argue that he showed evidence of his ability and talent on the ball back when he first joined the club. It’s the circumstances that have conspired to keep him out of the headlines. Who knows exactly what the dynamic Frenchman may have been able to achieve had things worked out differently?

Of course, it all goes back to May 1st 2006, when Diaby found himself on the end of a nightmare tackle from Sunderland defender Dan Smith. The two players challenged for the ball, Diaby was too quick and Smith was too careless. As a result, the young Frenchman’s career hung in the balance. Indeed, he’s struggled to return to full fitness ever since.

He’s had a frustrating tendency to appear for one game and then spend the next couple of weeks on the sideline. It’s maddening for the fans, and the player himself, who has naturally struggled to recover his best form. His career nadir, must have been succumbing to Joey Barton, getting sent off against Newcastle and prompting an Arsenal collapse. Before Diaby’s red card, Arsenal were leading by 4 goals to nil. The final result was 4-4.

But if his start to the season is anything to go by, he’s found his fitness once more. And he’s looking fantastic. His performance against Liverpool was a sight to behold. With this in mind, have the Gunners finally unearthed their next midfield genius?

He’s been compared regularly to Patrick Viera (he’s a physically tough midfielder who plays for the French national team, so I guess that’s his cross to bear). But whilst I note the similarities, I’d argue that Diaby lacks some of Viera’s defensive nous, but makes up for it with his unbelievable close control and ability to beat his man using his tricky feet.

He scored during the most recent French international, and his coach Didier Deschamps was full of praise: “He is a boy with a lot of qualities, but I knew that. He is a complete midfielder.” (Source: Sky Sports)

Whilst I’d argue he’s stronger offensively than he is defensively, I’d agree with the sentiment. He’s a wonderful player who has suffered his fair share of misfortune.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that he can stay fit. It’s the biggest challenge of his career – fingers crossed that he can pull it off.

What’s your take? Can Abou Diaby stay fit this season and can he guide Arsenal to success?

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0 comments

  • reverted says:

    its only been 3 games for godsake talk about jinxing a player

  • gary says:

    if he stays fit he can be better than Viera

  • maalim says:

    Boy he’s class, one thing stands out-his unique dribbling style, so slick. God bless his feet!

  • gab onyeabor says:

    The very season he will play all matches man united, man city and even chelsea will sign him for £8m , do u agree or disagree? This is arsen wenger’s policy.

  • Richard says:

    If Diabi can put a run of games together I believe he can replace Viera. I also disagree that he lacks a bit of defensive nous. He wins the ball, makes great interceptions, and does indeed look the complete midfield package. Alas until he puts in a run of 20 plus games the durability will always be a big question mark

  • COYG says:

    WELL FUCKING DONE. Every site out there giving it large about Diaby after only 3 games and now as you would expect “The Jinx” hits.

    DIABY OUT.

  • Bobby paul says:

    Diaby no doubt is a defensive midfielder with unbelievable skills, he missed the whole of last season to unavoidable injuries but has managed to stamp his authority in the deeper area of the midfield where arsenal is more concerned, he is going to prove a worth sooner than later.

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