As Arsene Intended?

Dan  Atkinson by Contributor Written on August 05, 2008
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Don't be surprised if 'another body' never arrives to fill the gap in the Arsenal midfield, I suspect that Wenger may now settle with the midfielders he's got. When he sold Viera he brought Diaby in and for a few games, Diaby and Fabregas played together.

At the time, Diaby was getting better reviews than Fabregas, and was seen as a natural successor to the powerful Frenchman.

At the beginning of last season Flamini was on the brink of leaving, hence no contract being offered, but with Gilberto away at the Copa America and Diaby injured - Flamini came in and enjoyed the best form of his career. When Diaby finally got back to full fitness he was played mostly out of position on the left.

It is possible that if the right player becomes available at the right price, Wenger may still look for a more experienced holding midfielder. However, at over £15 million, I doubt either Gareth Barry or Xabi Alonso will be that player.

This season Diaby may be given the chance to fill the holding midfield role, with Denilson as cover, perhaps the way Wenger always intended. Diaby has the potential to become a player in the mold of Viera or Roy Keane, he is athletic, strong, a good passer, and would dovetail well with Fabregas.

It remains to be seen whether Flamini's form can last. Flamini is a good player in great form, but Diaby has a lot more potential and could be great given the chance.

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written on August 05, 2008 Opinion

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