Abou Diaby
Abou Diaby has had a tragedy of career. Joining Arsenal in the January transfer window in 2006, many saw him as Arsenal’s new Viera. He did not have the same defensive prowess as Viera, especially his tackling ability, but the physical similarities and ability to drive the team forward was uncanny.
Diaby enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career, scoring a few, assisting, and appearing in the famous victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. But then the injuries started to pile up. Against Sunderland, right before the Champions League final, Dan Smith committed a very heavy challenge fracturing Diaby’s ankle. It took three surgeries to restructure his ankle and doctors revealed it was career threatening. It took eight months of rehabilitation. Since then, Diaby has been plighted with injuries to his thigh, knees, and ankles.
If Diaby can stay healthy this year, although it seems that he may have picked up a hip injury, even though it does not appear on Arsenal’s website injury news page, he can and will make a contribution to the first team.
Diaby’s dribbling ability is not matched by anyone in the team. His long legs allow him to dribble the ball in ways that many cannot. He possesses speed and an unappreciated finishing ability. He does not always provide the correct pass at the correct time, but he provides the drive to move forward quickly.
Wenger likes Diaby’s playing style and appreciates his work rate. If Diaby can stay healthy, expect him to back up, along with Wilshere the box-to-box position in midfield currently marshaled by Ramsey, as well as the holding midfield position.
Of the three players, this is one absolutely a stretch and possibly wishful thinking. But I think that every Gooner can agree that seeing Diaby healthy and playing would be a happy sight.
-COYG
