Abou
Diaby
Born May 11, 1986 Paris France
Position Midfielder
Squad Number 2
Previous Club(s) Auxerre
Joined Arsenal January 13, 2006
Abou made a promising start to his Arsenal career before Sunderland
defender Dan Smith fractured and dislocated his ankle with a late
challenge at the Stadium of Light in May. Abou is expected to be
out until the end of the year while he recovers.
Before his injury Abou showed huge promise. He was Arsenals first
signing of the January transfer window after following in the
footsteps of Eric Cantona and Djibril Cisse by progressing through
the youth academy at Auxerre.
Abou immediately added steel to the Arsenal midfield where his
height, strength and determination makes him an imposing presence
and invites comparisons with a young Patrick Vieira. Abou played in
all four competitions for the Gunners last season - coming off the
bench at Real Madrid and Juventus - and opened his account with a
well-taken goal in the 5-0 victory over Aston Villa at
Highbury.
The young Frenchman led his country to success at the European
Under-19 Championships in 2005 and looks to have a very bright
future once he regains his fitness.