A Long Awaited Return for France's Forgotten Man

Having only managed five appearances last season, Abou Diaby was very much the forgotten man for club and country.

After defensive frailties were exposed for much of that campaign, many voices from inside the Emirates Stadium were calling out for Arsene Wenger to purchase a box-to-box midfielder. Another season without a trophy had convinced them that what their team needed was a player willing to control a game from the centre of the park. Target’s Yann M’Vila and Marvin Martin were both pursued but to no prevail. Instead it would be another Frenchman who would fill this void, only this one was already at the club.

“He is the first player who would be on the France team-sheet in midfield when he is fit”, said the coach upon Diaby’s long awaited return. It is clear to see how highly Wenger rates his dynamic midfielder and having seen many of his star players leave the Emirate’s in recent years, Diaby’s desire will come as good news to Wenger.

After a Man of the Match display against Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League, Abou Diaby completed a perfect week, scoring the winning goal for France in their opening World Cup qualifier, a 1-0 victory away to Finland.

Critically responsible for breaking up opposition play from midfield, Diaby is also a naturally gifted player with the ball at his feet, capable of adding guile to his sides attacks. This audacious style has seen him win many admirers following his comeback. His impressive goal against Finland on Saturday night pointed out these capabilities going forward.

Much to Wenger’s credit, he often resisted dipping into the transfer kitty, believing that Diaby had all the traits necessary to succeed as an outstanding individual in England. The 26 year old has certainly proved Wenger’s prediction correct and wants to repay his managers faith, by committing himself to the North London club. His importance has been further highlighted following the departure of Alex Song to Barcelona.

Hoping to join the former Auxerre player in midfield alongside Mikel Arteta is Jack Wilshere, another long term injury casualty yet with huge promise. If the Englishman’s return is half as successful as Diaby’s has been then Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic for the season ahead. The shouts from the stands will no longer be to buy a player but instead to keep one, or two