Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger hails returning Diaby

24 Jan 2007 - 09:01:33

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Abou Diaby has the ability to become the new Patrick Vieira.

Diaby is poised to start his first game of the season in the Gunners' Carling Cup semi-final first leg clash with Tottenham on Wednesday night after returning to action following a badly broken ankle suffered towards the end of last season.

Wenger admitted he feared for the future of Diaby during his lay-off, but claims the 20-year-old Frenchman has returned a more complete player and one in a similar mould to former fans' favourite Vieira.

"I had a big doubt in my mind that he would come back," he told Arsenal TV.

"I am very happy because he not only came back, but he looks even stronger than before.

"It is only his first game back and we must be patient, but he can be a great player and I am sure he will be."

Referring to Viera, he added: "They are not similar sorts of players at all really but, in the style of run and behaviour and especially in the strength of the challenges, he reminds me of Patrick.

"After that he is a different type of player. Patrick at the start was more of a tackler and defensive player, but then I suppose it is strange since he (Diaby) has come back from injury he is going into that kind of role.

"Before he was only interested in attacking. Now he uses his strength in the challenges."