The Maturation of Abou Diaby

One of the most surprising stories at Arsenal has been the rapid maturation of Abou Diaby.  Since being bought from Auxerre in 2006, Diaby has suffered a horrific injury, stuggled massively at times, played brilliantly in others, and finally earned his place in the Arsenal squad. 

Diaby has not always been a fan favourite at the Emirates.  He has always been tricky with the ball and a great dribbler, but his tendency to dribble too much and not make the right pass at the right time was frustrating after he returned from injury. 

Pegged as the next Patrick Vieira, Diaby admittedly looked an awful lot like the former Arsenal captain, but lacked the defensive toughness and tactical awareness to play the part.  He was better suited as an attacking midfielder, but with Fabregas in the middle, he was forced to play out of position as a wide left midfielder with mixed, but for the most part, poor results. 

In glimpses, Diaby shined (at Fenerbahce in the Champions League comes to mind) which made it that much more frustrating that he couldnt find a level of consistency.

This season brought a formation change, however, and with it a new Diaby. 

Abou gave Arsenal its share of headaches early in the season, breaking Samir Nasri's leg in training and inexplicably heading the ball into his own net at Old Trafford, but over the course of this season he has matured into one of Arsenal's most consistent performers. 

The three-man midfield of Song, Diaby, and Fabregas has been the key to Arsenal's title contention and separation from the likes of Liverpool and Man City because it has given Diaby freedom to go forward in the center of the pitch while delegating the defensive responsibilities to the more adept Alex Song.  Diaby gives Arsenal much needed height and strength in midfield, rarely gets caught in possession, and, out of nowhere, is scoring goals. 

Diaby has seven goals this season in 23 starts.  That's one less than Arshavin and Van Persie.  He has also contributed with four assists.  Gone are the countless mistakes and poor passes as Diaby is finally playing his natural position for Arsenal. 

What's scary is Abou is only going to get better. 

At only 23 years old, Abou is one of the youngest starting center midfielders in the Premier League, and if his exponential improvement in the first half of this season is any indication, Diaby could fast become one of the best in the league. 

If Arsenal win any trophies in the near future, Diaby will have played a vital role.