Arsenal FC: Abou Diaby, a Look at What Might Have Been for the "Next Vieira"

In every sport there are unfair comparisons and expectations of being the next ...

For Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby, the pressure of playing at the top level has been compounded by the comparisons to his idol Patrick Vieira. It is easy to see why those comparisons were made.

Both Frenchmen are tall, powerfully built midfielders. They are also both skilled on the ball and play box-to-box. While they are very similar physically and athletically, there is no comparison when it comes to their accomplishments on the pitch.

Vieira is one of the most highly regarded players to ever pull on the Arsenal shirt.

He was captain for club and country, a World Cup winner as well as a key component in lifting several trophies on the domestic front. The undisputed leader of the “Invincibles”, he is recognized as one of the best players of his generation. Viera is the type of player who is used as a measuring stick for those who follow.

Diaby had a bright start to his Arsenal career after coming from Auxerre. His early performances pointed towards a bright future for “The New Vieira”.

On May 1^st, 2006, Diaby was on the receiving end of a horrific tackle from Sunderland’s Dan Smith. The tackle caused a fractured ankle that required three surgeries to repair.

Since that time, Diaby has been snake-bit as injury after injury has continually derailed his development and kept him from finding consistency.

The injuries have left Arsenal fans frustrated and wondering “what if” when it comes to Diaby. Every player deals with injuries, but a look at those who come back from potential career ending injuries shows the drop-off in performance.

It is a stretch for anyone to expect a healthy Diaby would have been able to escape the enormous shadow of Viera, but it is not hard to envision him blazing his own legacy in red. There have been enough flashes of brilliance from him to lead one to believe a healthy Diaby could have made enough of a difference to have prevented the Arsenal silverware drought with the capture of an FA Cup or Carling Cup.

Even with his potential and continued effort, many fans have been ready for Arsenal to cut their ties with the midfielder. Arsene Wenger has stuck by Diaby to this point. The hope is that Diaby will overcome his injuries and come close to reaching his potential while wearing the Arsenal jersey.

Playing the “what might have been game” can lead to a multitude of scenarios.

While Diaby’s latest return to the field was cut short by injury again against Liverpool, he  is still young enough to put together a solid career. His continued efforts come back from injury and make an impact at Arsenal deserves respect. Many lesser people would have given up by now.

Here is hoping those efforts are rewarded with success found in the Arsenal colors.