The next few weeks for Arsenal will be crucial in determining whether or not we are serious contenders for major trophies this season.
Every club has one player who is the driving force to push their respective team forward to achieve more in a game.
Former Gunner Alan Smith believes Abou Diaby is that man who can make a ‘huge’ difference to Arsenal’s chances this term.
The French midfielder missed out on a large part of last season’s campaign through injury, making just five appearances.
However, the 26 year-old returned to the starting line-up in superb form this season.
As a result, Smith claims the ex-Auxerre man can lead the Gunners to honours this year.
He recently told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show on talkSPORT:
‘Arsenal have always had fantastic midfielder players. Abou Diaby is one of them.
‘Although he didn’t have a great game against Montpellier, he’s a fantastic player.
‘With those long legs he can rampage through the midfield, he’s a powerhouse.’
The ex-Arsenal forward finished off by saying:
‘Diaby’s had a lot of injury problems but if he can stay fit, he’ll make a huge difference.’
To be honest, I’m not too sure I can fully agree with Smith on this one.
Yes Diaby will be influential for us this season, should he stay fit – those surging runs from midfield are a problem to deal with for any opposition.
But as for the key to lifting some silverware, that, I believe, lies in the hands of Mikel Arteta.
We have a very strong squad, one which is full of quality, but I feel Arteta is the one who will push us all the way to glory, with the obvious contribution from the others of course.
I know he doesn’t make the runs Diaby makes, but he maintains order in the middle of the park and dictates play – he is the bridge between defence and attack.
Diaby is a good player, but I feel Arteta is much more influential and key to us ending our trophy drought this season.
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Absolutely agree with you on Arteta, I believe for Arsenal to end up with silverware, we need fit first team squad, simple. Each n every season we fade towards the end of the season coz we lost some influential first team players to injury. For a change just want to see a fit Arsenal first team, we will be good enough to win EPL may be not CL
as far as i can see arterta is one of the best player we have, but speaking of a team ever body is important.?! so if we real want to win something, i can say we have to pray for injury frée thats all i can say.. COME ON YOUNG GUNS…