From zero to hero. Not long ago, French midfielder Abou Diaby was being heavily criticised by many Arsenal supporters but after working hard during the summer and hitting top form, he is now one of the best players for the Gunners.

Speaking about the 23-year old, manager Arsene Wenger explained how brave the Aubervilliers-born midfielder was to put behind him bad injuries and how he offers height, strength and also goals to the Arsenal team.

Wenger said:

Diaby for me is the player who is going step-by-step higher and standing really as a strong player.

He missed a complete year with his ankle injury [in 2006/07] and since he came back last year he was out a lot but this year in central midfield he has really stepped up and improved tremendously. He has become a very strong player.

He offers height and a physical presence. It gives us the pair with Alex Song and even when Denilson plays, when Diaby is there we look strong in the challenges and strong in the air as well. When you add Nicklas Bendtner and him, suddenly when you set-up on set pieces, who do we have? We have four or five who really can jump for the headers and it makes a difference.

He gives us goals as well – a fantastic contribution. It is great and he scores important goals as well.