Posted on Monday, 3rd September 2012 by The Goon
Arsene Wenger believes Abou Diaby can fill the midfield void left by Alex Song.
Song played a pivotal role for The Gunners last season, contributing a massive 14 assists and ultimately helping the club finish third in the Premier League.
However, following his departure to Barcelona last month, Song has now left a big hole in Arsenal’s midfield, a position Arsene Wenger failed to strengthen during the transfer window.
But after watching Diaby start the first three games of the new season and pull out a great performance against Liverpool yesterday at Anfield, Wenger reckons the lanky Frenchman can be Arsenal’s new Song, but only if the 26-year-old manages to stay clear of injuries.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side, Wenger said:
‘If he is fit and healthy then of course he has the talent [to replace Song] that you have seen today.
‘And of course there is more to come but let’s touch wood and hope it goes well in the next two or three weeks for him.’
Now I’ll be the first to say that Diaby had a great game against Liverpool yesterday. But it was only one performance.
He has the skill, physique and ability to shine at Arsenal now that Song has left the club, but can he really fill the Cameroonian’s boots? It’s just too early to tell at this point.
He’s got through the first three games of the season unscathed and has done alright so far, but there are still 35 Premier League matches to play, plus European and cup competitions to get through as well – can he sustain the pace and stay clear of injuries? History would suggest not.
I just hope Gooners out there don’t get too excited about Abou’s performance. Although it was a great one at Anfield yesterday afternoon, the France international is not a very consistent performer, which makes me think Wenger needed to sign a midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Here’s hoping I’m wrong.
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Tags: Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool
Posted in View From The Sphere | Comments (15)
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September 3rd, 2012 at 3:44 pm
I don’t quite get the point of your story. Barring injury he will be immense for Gooners
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September 3rd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Only 33 games to go? Have I missed a few games?
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Idiot. You’ve never watched him. Diaby has always been massive. Much better than Song all times when injury free. I know he’ll prove ManU fans like yourself wrong this time round.
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:04 pm
…such was also said when Van Pussy picked his form last season coming from injury, I belief & I’m very sure Diaby will keep the doubters mouth shut
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Song is nothing!! compare to Diaby. It’s best to say that he is our new Viera
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
I obviously dont make any reasonable sense out of dis article. The Diaby I watched yesterday, is a world beater. D guy is fantastic
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I’ve always believe in his ability as a player. As for his skills, I call him ‘skills workshop’. I don’t want to compare him with Song, cos Song is Song and Diaby is Diaby. I believe Diaby is a right DM for us. He’s got the skills to do so, may be lacking litttle agility, but he’s attacking minded. Mind you, the best form of defence is to Attack.
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Gideon Reply:
September 3rd, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Diaby is a good player but I totally disagree with Arsene Wenger who says if he is fit he can replace Alex Song as a defensive midfielder. Diaby is a mobile midfielder who can travel anywhere in the midfield. To miss on Y’ann M’villa is a damaging mistake committed by Arsene Wenger.Days ahead will soon show our porosity in the midfield.I can not follow somebody who’s professionally deceptive.
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Agree, it’s just one game!
And:
Diaby will newer be a stabile performer for Arsenal! All the idiots above who praises Diaby don’t know anyting about this sport!
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femi Reply:
September 3rd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
i think ur a moron….
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:38 pm
http://www.football411.com/story/0,22162,8689_8048891,00.html
“Yaya Toure and me have very similar roles,”
“I want to get forward – that’s me. ”
HAHAHAHAHAHA, BRACE YOURSELF FELLOW GUNNERS
)
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September 3rd, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@mike u are a fool 4 insultin us idiot
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September 3rd, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Let’s hope this is his c’son to prove the doubters like me, I always doubt Diaby’s abilities to sustain his game throughout the c’son without picking the injury or on & off. Today Diaby can impress everybody & tomorrow he frustrates everyone.
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September 3rd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
If Diaby plays like he did yesterday then he can indeed be Vieira but he doesn’t have the goals like Yaya or the range of passing like Song. However if he can win balls in the midfield and dominate the middle of the park then he can be more Essien in his prime than anything else and that’s not a bad thing. I have slagged off Diaby more than enough times in the past as he dribbles into oblivion and passes to nobody. Yesterday he showed what he can do but until huge does it over the length of a season I’ll reserve judgment. He’s on his way to being the player Wenger thought he should be but unless he pulls a RVP and stays fit for a whole season and plays out of his skin, then we won’t know.
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September 3rd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
he suprise everyone me included.
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