Has Arsenal's Abou Diaby Become One of the World's Best Midfielders?

It seemed the only thing stopping Abou Diaby from progressing from a Arsenal fringe player to a dominant midfielder was his body. The Frenchman, who joined the Gunners in 2006 from French giants Auxerre and was at one stage considered the next Patrick Vieira, suffered a capacious amount of injuries prior to the 2009/2010 campaign.

But alas, the 23-year-old is on the verge of completing his first relatively injury-free season. Similar to Robin van Persie's season last year, it has been a joy to watch French international blossom.

However, Diaby began this season slowly. A mistimed header saw him receive his first own goal for the club and give Manchester United the lead in a game where the Red Devils had struggled.

But the lanky Frenchman put that behind him and regained his confidence. With no real injuries concerning him and Denilson struggling for fitness and form, Diaby received heavy player time.

It soon became evident that Diaby was a real danger with the ball. The former PSG youth is blessed with lanky, majestic legs that glide past defenders. Diaby is also immensely powerful and possess great balance. This ensured he became a huge attacking threat through the middle of the park.

This campaign Diaby has racked up 33 appearances  and scored 7 neat goals for the Gunners in all competitions. So the question has been raised, after another impressive performance against Birmingham, is Abou Diaby now one of the World's best midfielders?

His form certainly suggest he may be. Fortunately this season Diaby discovered consistency and passing which has allowed him to grow into a great all-round player. It's evident that the powerful midfield is not Vieira-like but he is certainly talented.

But is he one of the world's best midfielders?