After watching the final game of the Emirates Cup against Real Madrid, it’s clear to me that Diaby is not the replacement for Flamini. I’ve stated this numerous times in the past and I’ll state it again, he’s just not good enough to play through the middle. He cannot tackle, his positional sense is diabolical, he doesn’t know when to pass and gives the ball away far too often.
A lot of Arsenal fans got what they wished for today for demanding Diaby play centre midfield, and I hope them same fans were all pleased with what they saw. He was the absolute worst player on the pitch today by a country mile and if this is the sign of things to look forward to then I’m hoping we sign a defensive midfielder quick.
The only player in our squad who I feel is good enough to play in the role Flamini vacated is Alex Song, but Wenger has stated that he will be playing centre back. The only other option is Denilson, who could strike fear into the opponents, but just isn’t defensive enough and is too similar to Fabregas.
My quick summary of the players on view today is as follows:
Almunia – Didn’t have anything to do, his kicking was terrible at times and I don’t think he fills anyone with confidence. Sagna – Brilliant as usual, didn’t put a foot wrong. Clichy – Solid enough, best left back in the world. Senderos and Gallas – Both had decent games, didn’t have much to do though. Nasri - Absolutely quality player, he really is something special. Walcott – Looks like he’s gaining confidence with every game and I think he will be absolutely magical this season. Denilson - Had a good first half, second half he did ok but nothing great. Diaby – Useless. Simple as that. van Persie – If he stays fit then he will be brilliant. Linked up well with Adebayor. Adebayor – Played well, he should’ve scored, but he definitely offers us something nobody else does and I’m glad he’s signing a new deal.
Wilshere – What a player. Ramsey – What a player. Eboue – Amazingly bad. Bendtner – Amazingly bad. Djourou – played 1 minute, contributed as much as Diaby.
All in all, I’m confident going into the new season, and all is looking promising. One more player please, a defensive midfielder please.
18 Comments
August 3, 2008 at 10:35 pm
loooool… you are so clueless… did u see diaby play against juve…. he was quality.. ok he had one bad game.. you cant call him “amazingly bad” for that. as for eboue i dont think hes as bad as everyone is saying.. hes a hard worker and never stops running and chasing balls down… hes like the park ji sung of man u or the kuyt of liverpool… he is a really handy player to have and versatile enough to play RB and RM.
As for bendtner…. hes like adey.. hes not amazingly clinical but his first touch is class and a ball from over the top he can contol effortlessly.
As for Almunia he looked solid in goal and his might have had one or two bad kicks after being given the ball under pressure but he did concede a goal? i thought we needed a new GK this season but I’m willing to give him a chance.
August 4, 2008 at 4:26 am
I don’t even think Diaby was THAT bad today. Okay he got caught in possession a couple times and a couple bad passes… but keep in mind this is only his second match of the pre-season. You’re way over the top in slating him this quickly. He also made a few brilliant dribbles as well. You can see the boy is special, I think you’re dead wrong.
August 4, 2008 at 5:42 am
i am really excited about the new season
August 4, 2008 at 6:21 am
Diaby wasn’t in top form for that game. You can’t blame him for that coz its only pre-season. I think he is a talent mate. You can just see flashes of Vieira in him. He can hold the ball really well. He did get caught short and mis-placed a few passes but I’m sure he’ll sort his head once the season starts. He just needs to learn how to tackle and I reckon he’ll be a force.
As much as I worship Samir, he didn’t have the best of games. I didn’t believe he was playing at his best. Usually he would take defenders on but during the Madrid game, he didn’t do much of that. Still, you can see his quality and I’m excited to see what he can do when the season starts.
August 4, 2008 at 8:51 am
yes, agreed there is no flam replacement. to my view diaby is more a attuned to the am role than the dm, and though he’s not in cesc’s class diaby brings qualities to the pitch that cesc doesn’t and i think it’s in the goal scoring dept, better shot range, more aerial ability. diaby is still only 22 and he can improve but he just isn’t sound in the defensive role and clearly should not be entrusted with that postition this season. perhaps diaby should be loaned out to get more epl experience, i think it would be better for his development. he’s nursed some bad injuries but he needs more games to mature and refine his position. playing bit parts in games in varying positions isn’t doing him or the club a great service. i actually believe we can upgrade what flam provided last season with a quality signing. to my view, it would be a big mistake for wenger to not bring in a dm, the team clearly need some bite, a tough as nails guy who can tackle well and astutely, and when required sends a message.
August 4, 2008 at 8:55 am
as for song billong(i just like his name), he ‘could’ be the answer, but i feel the position is too important given the state of the squad, needs more confidence, we need a player who IS the answer to the dm position.
August 4, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I agree man, diaby is not good. we’re best off sticking as far up the pitch as possible so he can give the ball away all he wants. he holds onto it too long, he’s stupid.
August 4, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I think Diaby is a good player but you’re right, he’s not the answer to our defensive midfield problems. There are rumours today linking us to Alonso he would be excellent for Arsenal.
August 4, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Sick of people givining Bendtner stick.Hes only 20 and comes up with some vital goals.Hes a better finisher than ade
August 4, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t for one minute slagging off Bendtner in general, I was just slagging off his performance yesterday.
My opinion of Diaby, however, is based on the last 18 months or so. We should push Diaby as far up the pitch as possible so he can give the ball away without worrying about the consequences.
August 4, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I was at the game yesterday and Diaby was bad, worst player on the pitch. He never knows when to pass, he gets the ball taken off him constantly or he falls over for no reason.
He might have been a bit rusty but even when he isnt I dont rate him for that position. He might cut it as an attacking mid but he’s definitely not got enough to trust in dm.
He does look like flava flav though which is a bonus
August 4, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Peter Cushing, I’d like to get Arsene Wenger by the scruff of the neck and say a few little wise words regarding Diaby, “Wenger, don’t believe the hype”.
August 5, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Dan, I tried to email you earlier but the message keeps bouncing back. What’s your email address mate? Can you send it to me at scott@arsenal-opinion.com
Thanks
August 5, 2008 at 8:27 pm
If anyone is interested, Chris at Gooner Talk has some decent pictures of the Arsenal Members Day.
http://goonertalk.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/excusive-members-day-08-pics-rosicky-cesc-dudu-and-more/
August 6, 2008 at 4:01 am
To confirm in case you dnt really know who Veloso is. browse> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jNp1CoLoMw&NR=1
make sure you give a comment if Flamini or Barry/Alonso will be better at DM?
August 6, 2008 at 9:56 pm
what has that got do with anything? anyone can be good on youtube.
August 8, 2008 at 7:13 pm
How was Bendtner amazingly bad?! Really bad call there. In a season or two he’ll be better than adebayor.
August 9, 2008 at 9:50 am
He was terrible Alan!! He may be better than Adebayor in a season or two (although I doubt it) but that’s not to say he had wasn’t bad against Real Madrid!!