Patrick Vieira names the forgotten Arsenal man who could have been better than him
Patrick Vieira believes Abou Diaby could have surpassed his achievements if he had been able to avoid injuries.
Vieira is considered one of ArsenalThe greatest players of all time, having won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his time in north London.
Famously, the powerful midfielder was also the captain of the famous Invincibles team, which was unbeaten in 49 league games during the 2003/04 season and the first weeks of the following year.
Such was Vieira's influence that Arsenal worked tirelessly to try and find a replacement for him, with the young Diaby almost a similar replica.
The young French midfielder joined Arsenal in January 2006 at the age of 19 before making 180 appearances for the club.
A midfielder who could run for days, Diaby also possessed great pace and dribbling ability, making him a real attacking threat from midfield.
However, injuries prevented him from reaching the highest levels he could have achieved.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast about players similar to him, Vieira said: “I liked Diaby at Arsenal.
“I think he was going to be an even better player because he was more complete, more technical.
“I think it was more offensive, it had more quality in the last 30 yards.
“The injuries he had really stopped his progression, but Diaby was really good.”
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While Diaby made 180 appearances as nagging injuries hampered his career, including a long-term ACL problem, he significantly limited his action from 2010 onwards.
As a result, Diaby was released from the Gunners in 2015 and joined Marseille, but after making just six appearances in three and a half years, he decided to hang up his boots, saying: “I am ending my professional career. The time is right. .
“For several years it has been difficult for me to return, with many physical problems. It is a difficult decision, but I have thought a lot about my decision and I am calm about it.
“After Marseille, I gave myself a year to come back, but it was more difficult than I thought and I have decided to stop.”
