Diaby set for defensive duty

[Dunny]

Abou Diaby is ready to step into Alex Song's defensive midfield role when the Cameroon international leaves for the African Cup of Nations in January.
Diaby has been deployed in a more attacking position for much of this season but with Song set to be absent for up to six weeks, manager Arsene Wenger is expected to deploy him in front of the Gunners defence .
And Diaby, who has struggled with injuries during his four-year spell in North London, is more than willing to take on the responsibility.
He told the club's matchday programme: "I'm ready for it if they ask me to do it.
"I have done it before. It's good for me to be more aggressive and concentrate on the defensive side.
"I haven't heard anything about it yet though. As I say, I'm happy to play anywhere."
Comparisons wrong

Diaby's stature has drawn comparisons with that of Patrick Vieira in some quarters but Wenger insists the 23-year-old's approach is far different from that of the Arsenal legend.
Wenger told the club's official website: "Diaby is a player who crosses the field at ease, goes from box to box like it's no distance and has good power as well.
"I believe Vieira was more of a passer of the ball. Diaby is more of a dribbler, more offensive and makes more penetrating runs. Vieira was more of a constructor. They have a similar elegance and type of play but are not completely comparable."
Wenger has been encouraged by Diaby's contribution so far this season and has predicted a bright future for the France international if he is able to stay fit.
"He had a good sequence of games before he got injured," Wenger added.
"Sometimes he gets strange injuries but had a good week of training last week, he looked strong and is now becoming a very promising player for us.
"I must say that he is a fantastic player to coach as well. Every day you can tell him 'do that, that and that and then you can go home'. He will always do it and he will do more.
"What has been frustrating for him at times is that he works very hard in training and then gets injured."

[Dunny]

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has signed a new long-term contract with the Emirates Stadium outfit.
The France midfielder is enjoying his best season to date for the Gunners and has become an integral part of Arsene Wenger's plans.
Diaby moved to North London from Auxerre in his homeland in January 2006 in a deal worth £2million.
The 23-year-old endured a miserable end to his first season in England as he suffered a horror ankle injury against Sunderland in May which ruled him out of the UEFA Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.
Presence

Further injury problems restricted his involvement, but this season has seen Diaby emerge as a real talent, contributing five goals from 14 Premier League starts.
"This shows my long-term commitment to Arsenal and I am very happy here, which is why I am so pleased to extend my contract," said Diaby.
"It's a great thing for me and hopefully there will be some good years ahead for me here."
Gunners boss Wenger added: "Abou is a great player with huge presence on the football pitch and he has the potential to be an extremely influential part of Arsenal for many years to come."
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[HL]

diaby should do well in that role. my only concern is his consistency. song is very consistent--he appears to have a holding defensive role to me. was very happy to see him score in his last game. he need to increase his attempt on goal.

(and i need to use uppercase letters to start my sentences....hheheehe_

[Assasin]

consistency will come. It is just his first real season in the EPL.

[1of1]

him get carried away when him win the ball sometimes and give it right back, should shoot more from distance, seems confident on the dibble

[Dunny]

ABOU DIABY admits he almost gave up football because he was fed up with constantly being injured.


The 23-year-old Frenchman has just signed a new contract that will keep him at Arsenal until 2016.

But he became disillusioned after an horrific broken ankle against Sunderland in 2006 which kept him sidelined for eight months.

Diaby suffered further setbacks on his road to recovery and has only established himself as a regular in Arsene Wenger's side this season.

He said: "I started to have enough of football and of injuring myself all the time.

"I wanted to drop everything.

"But I held on, worked hard and now I am getting the rewards."

Diaby is due to make his 120th Gunners appearance in this afternoon's FA Cup tie at West Ham.

And he hopes to make a late push for a place in the French World Cup squad.

He said: "I knew my form would come when I had sorted out all my physical problems.

"Since I arrived four years ago I've picked up niggling injuries. Now I am free from injury. This season I am playing a lot and I have enormous confidence in myself.

"The 4-3-3 formation we play suits me perfectly. I am flourishing in this team.

"I want to keep on playing and improving. I want to succeed and make an impression so that I'm accepted by everyone. And like all players, I want to win titles.

"But when you are young and you arrive at a great club like Arsenal, it's not easy.

"It was a totally different context. The demands were a lot higher and I needed to become much more professional, especially off the pitch.

"I realised straight away how big the gap was between the French First Division and the Premier League and between two clubs like Auxerre and Arsenal.

"I had to raise my game. I had to gain maturity fast and become more consistent.

"Now my objective is the World Cup. I am working hard and doing everything I can to deserve to be there."

[Karl]

him get carried away when him win the ball sometimes and give it right back, should shoot more from distance, seems confident on the dibble

Like all the Arsenal players he is great technically. Excellent player.

Is he right for defensive duties?
Not sure...

...but if Arsene Wenger says, he can do it...who am I to say otherwise?