Arsenal Mania

Wenger praise for Diaby

Written by Jonathan Chong on Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Manager Arsène Wenger had praise for midfielder Abou Diaby, who he also revealed has signed a new deal to stay on at the Emirates Stadium till 2012.

Wenger said: "He reminds me of Patrick Vieira in that he has long legs, covers the ground well and is strong in the tackle.

"If he continues to make progress he will, in time, be as influential as Patrick."

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also praised Diaby, saying: "You want people to learn and buy into that environment.

"When they get the chance they make it so difficult for the manager that he can't leave them out.

"There have been occasions this season when Diaby has come in and done that. It is still early days for him.

"It is about winning the manager over and once that happens, he will play more often."

For breaking news about Arsenal, follow us on Twitter!

User Comments

2

GeoJ

Posted on 30 Jan, 2008 at 10:55 PM - Reply

Diaby is prone to over-egg it at times, but when it does come off, you have to take your hat off that he has the sheer audacity to try to take on half the opposition.
He was amazing when he came in - but hasn't shown the consistency over the past year - perhaps because he hasn't been given an unbroken run in the side.
I've sometimes thought he can be a bit laid back too, and doesn't kill himself trying to win the ball, after possession has been lost. All told - I'd love to think there's a Patrick Vieira waiting to emerge, but don't know whether every tall black frenchman with long legs who signs for Arsenal will find himself so compared.