{2} Abou Diaby

• • Name: Vassiriki Abou Diaby [GK]
  • Born: 11/05/1986
  • Caps: 2 – FRANCE
  • Clubs:
    • 2004-06 Auxerre
    • 2006-Present: Arsenal FC

Too many players have too often been labled ‘the next Vieira’ in the media: Sissoko, Zakora, even Julio Baptista by a very hasty media circus quick to label player ‘clones’. Diaby has incredible similarities to the Gladiator that was Patrick, but has several more dynamic elements to his game as well.

Diaby joined Arsenal from Ligue 1 club Auxerre in the January transfer window of 05/06, having turned down overtures from Chelsea, for an undisclosed fee (some sources cite a £2m fee). He made his debut in the 1-0 loss to Everton, and two months later, scored his first goal for the club as a substitute in the 5-0 rout of Aston Villa at Highbury. His season though was ended soon after, with a reckless and quite ridiculous lunging tackle from Sunderland’s Dan Smith. He suffered a broken and dislocated ankle as a result of the challenge, the agony was audible even on the telly.

It would be eight full months before Arsenal fans would see Abou back on the pitch. He finally made a welcome return in the Carling Cup quarter final against Liverpool (that hilarious match where the ‘Anfield magic’ lost itself for the second successive match), replacing Theo Walcott. Diaby’s best performance arguably came in the Carling Cup Final against Chelsea, where he provided the assist to Theo Walcott’s goal after some subtle footwork and positioning. Diaby and Fabregas bossed around a Chelsea midfield an average five-or-six years their senior, and it Diaby’s substitution saw the visible shift in midfield dominance from Arsenal to Chelsea, as the Blues won the match 2-1. Abou was involved in a memorably horrific collision with Chelsea captain John Terry – the Blues Captain attempting a diving header at goal, only to find not the ball but the full momentum of Diaby’s boot – the stadium was silenced by the incident, Diaby visibly distrought…but there are a silent few of us who give him secret kudos nonetheless.

Diaby’s dynamism is very evident in his pace, control, strength and passing ability. Of late, he has been played out on the left wing by Arsenal in the absence of any genuine wingers in the side – even then, he has managed to provide some domineering momentum on wing attacks. His natural position of central midfield brings out the best in Diaby, though – an imperious defender with time and development on his side.

Next: {4} Cesc Fabregas [CM]

Prev: {1} Jens Lehmann [GK]

 

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