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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I don’t quite get the point of your story. Barring injury he will be immense for Gooners
Only 33 games to go? Have I missed a few games?
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.
…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
Song is nothing!! compare to Diaby. It’s best to say that he is our new Viera
I obviously dont make any reasonable sense out of dis article. The Diaby I watched yesterday, is a world beater. D guy is fantastic
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.
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.
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!
i think ur a moron….
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 :))
@mike u are a fool 4 insultin us idiot