Abou Diaby

When he's fit and firing on all cylinders, Abou is one of Arsenal's most dynamic players.

Physically strong and reassuringly tall, the French midfielder can transform defence into attack with a twist, a turn and a driving run. What's more he loves to get forward to support the attack and contributes his fair share of goals.

Abou used to operate on the left of midfield but he has benefited from Arsenal's switch to a 4-3-3 formation and now he spends more time in his favoured central role.

A graduate of the famous Clairefontaine Academy near Paris, Abou captained France Under-19s to success in the 2005 European Championship and played in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

• Name:

  Abou Diaby

• Born:

  May 11, 1986

• Paris, France

• Position:

  Midfielder

• Squad Number:

  2

• Previous Club(s):

  Auxerre

• Joined Arsenal:

  January 13, 2006