Squad Profile: Midfielders Pt.1

In the next installment of Fab 4 Arsenal's Squad Profile articles, we're going to look at Arsenal's midfielders. This first part of the two-part look at our midfield focuses on our central midfielders. In order to split the midfielders evenly though, I'm including Amaury Bischoff on this list even though he primarily plays on the right. And now onto the review.

Abou Diaby no.2
Pos.: CDM (Centre Defensive Midfield), LM (if needed)
OVR: 80 (See key at bottom)
Analysis:
When Diaby signed for us in January of 2006, Arsene Wenger described him as basically the next Patrick Viera. This season is Diaby's chance to live up to that assessment. In the past, notably last season, Diaby was used on the left-hand side of midfield. Wenger said this was so Diaby could develop his technical skills. Well, he's certainly done that; now it's time to develop some defensive attributes. Diaby seems like he could be the perfect replacement for Flamini if he tries hard. He needs to learn the central position and excel in it, and he seems to have the qualities to do it. If he can just learn to pass the ball more effectively and not dawdle on the ball, then Arsene Wenger could very well be proved right in not buying a new CM.

Cesc Fabregas no.4
Pos.: CM
OVR: 90
Analysis:
Easily the best player in the current Arsenal team, "Fab 4" as he is sometimes called by Arsenal fans is quite possibly the best passer of the ball on the planet. The Arsenal passing game revolves around the creative talents of this young Spaniard who, every time he is put into an Arsenal team, provides calmness, composure, and creativity. Fabregas used to be criticised for his lack of height and strength and lack of defensive abilities. But last season, he addressed those problems. He and Flamini developed such a potent partnership that Cesc learned how to defend quite effectively. In addition, Fabregas now uses his knowledge and intuition to either hold the ball or pass it away before he is knocked off the ball by bigger opponents. That being said, he is also getting stronger himself. It's hard to find fault with this guy, so I won't even try. Needless to say, Fabregas is (or at least will become) an Arsenal, and indeed worldwide legend.

Denilson no.15
Pos.: CM
OVR: 80
Analysis:
I like to call Denilson "little Fabregas". He seems to be in the same mold as his Spanish compatriot in that he likes to create, run the midfield, and join the attacks. He shined in the Carling Cup games last year as a creative influence. So naturally when he is paired with another creative midfielder (e.g. Fabregas), he tends to under perform. Denilson isn't the greatest defensively and can't resist joining the attack when he should be sitting back, ready for a counter-attack. Also, in big pressure games Denilson seems to start missing his passes. BUT, as Denilson is like Fabregas, he should be played as such. He isn't a partner for Cesc, but perhaps a better partner for Diaby; and if he's played in his favoured creative position, Denilson flourishes.

Aaron Ramsey no.16
Pos.: CM, LM (on occasion)
OVR: 69
Analysis:
The inheritor of the no.16 shirt from Flamini is nothing like the more defensive Frenchman. Ramsey seems to be a player similar to Steven Gerrard, in that he makes great passes, especially cross-field ones, and likes to attack. In this sense, one might call him the "third" Fabregas in our squad, but I don't really think that's fair. The young Welshman is only 17 years old and needs time to develop and find his best position. At Cardiff he was playing either in CM, on the wings, or in the defense. In Arsenal's matches so far this year, he's mainly been used in the centre or out on the left. I can't wait to see how Ramsey develops in the coming years, and the fact that he snubbed Manchester United to join us has already earned him some fans among the Arsenal faithful.

Amaury Bischoff no.28
Pos.: RM, CM
OVR: 72
Analysis:
Our new Portuguese midfielder arrived from Werder Bremen this summer injured, having never played a game of first-team football in his life. He's played for the Bremen reserves in Germany's third division, where reserve squads are allowed in Germany, but his constant injuries never allowed him to play in the first-team. Upon his signing, Arsene Wenger said he took a "risk" in signing him, but believed that he could go on to be a wonderful player. I certainly hope this is the case, and, having never seen him in action, I can't tell you much about this young man. Until he plays a few games I'm not going to pass judgement on him; all we can do is wait and hope he develops into a good player.

Well, that's all for the first part of our player review. Stay tuned to Fab 4 Arsenal to read part 2, in which we take a look at the wingers and attacking midfielders in our team. Also, the Striker review will appear soon after, so keep on visiting and feel free to comment.

Key:
0-29: Sunday league player
30-49: Non league or youth academy level
50-59: Plays at League One or Two level.
60-69: Growing prospect or ageing star close to retirement. Championship level.
70-79: Mid-to-Bottom table Premier League level. Good, solid, but not world-class.
80-89: Belongs at a big four club. Top quality player, very good.
90-99: Legendary. Only players who are, were, or could be one of the best players of all time in their position fall into this category. Examples include Pelé, Henry, C. Ronaldo, Baresi.