Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, has revealed that he is trying to turn Abou Diaby into a defensive midfielder.
The midfielder, who has suffered over 40 different injuries during his time at the club, made a first-team comeback in the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Southampton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
Wenger had now hinted that he sees Diaby in a more withdrawn role, as the 28-year-old may have lost some mobility and effectiveness going forward.
“I try to transform him because he was injured. He has the physical potential to win the challenges, to face the game will be easier for him than to play back to goal with the injuries he had,” Wenger said of the 6ft 3in France international.
“I try to develop him in a deeper role. I think he can do it, he can be very interesting, has all the attributes. He must want to love it as well because he’s more of an offensive-minded player.
“It was difficult for him against Southampton. But he got 60 minutes, he was not injured and at some stage he has to play. He was not bad, was acceptable as a performance, but he tired after an hour.”
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