Denílson Pereira Neves

When Flamini, Diarra and Gilberto left Arsenal in 2008, many expected Arsène Wenger to dip into the transfer market and buy a replacement.

Instead the manager gave Denilson his chance and the midfielder rewarded him with two consistent campaigns sprinkled with spectacular strikes against the likes of Everton and Standard Liege.

But goals are a bonus for Denilson. If anything, it is the less spectacular stuff that makes him so important. The accurate distribution, the switching of play and the willingness to offer an outlet for a team-mate make the Brazilian an important member of the Arsenal midfield.

He captained his country at every age group between Under-15 and Under-19 level and received his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad in March 2007.

• Name:

  Denilson

• Born:

  February 16, 1988

• São Paulo, Brazil

• Position:

  Midfielder

• Squad Number:

  15

• Previous Club(s):

  Sao Paulo

• Joined Arsenal:

  August 31, 2006