Arsenal know better than most clubs how a top-class player’s career can be derailed by injuries.
From Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all the way to Eduardo, Arsenal have had some shocking luck when it comes to top players picking up serious injuries.
Alongside the players we’ve already mentioned, perhaps the saddest story at Arsenal in recent history is that of Abou Diaby.
The French midfielder showed glimpses of superstardom, but injuries halted his progression, and, ultimately, the £2m man never made much of an impact at Arsenal.
Speaking on the Planet Premier League Podcast, Cesc Fabregas has been discussing his former Arsenal teammate, and he says that the Frenchman was an incredible talent who could’ve been the next Patrick Vieira.
Cesc Fabregas hails Abou Diaby
The pundit shared his verdict on the French midfielder.
“What was said about Jack Wilshere, his eagerness and keenness to take people on and invite tackles brought on those injuries,” The host said.
“I agree and the same can be said of Abou Diaby. A superb talent, what a player, he was the next Patrick Vieira, but he carried the ball a lot, and I’m not saying it’s his fault, because we all have our strengths. I couldn’t do what Jack did, if I was more explosive or faster I would’ve been a different player, but we all need to play to our strengths,” Fabregas said.
What could’ve been
Diaby’s injury record may well be one of the great ‘what ifs’ in Premier League history.
As Fabregas says, the midfielder could’ve been a superstar if he was just able to stay fit, and if Arsenal could’ve fielded a midfield three of Diaby, Fabregas and Samir Nasri on a weekly basis during the late 2000s, perhaps they would’ve won a Premier League title or two.
Diaby had no luck with injuries, and sadly, his career is a classic case of what might have been rather than fulfilling his massive potential.