TheSportsCampus

Arsenal’s early-season form has been backed by their new-found confidence at the back, but one man who has risen to the occasion big time is Abou Diaby. The Frenchman has endured a hellish time with injuries in recent years, but he made it through his first full pre-season routine in ages this summer and the difference is telling as the 26 year old has been immense in midfield for the Gunners.

His performance at Anfield last weekend earned him rave reviews as he stood like a colossus in an all-action central midfield role. A fit Diaby offers Arsenal a lot more dynamism in the central areas compared to the departed Alex Song and the Frenchman is keen to grab the bull by the horns this season.

"It is such an important season for me that I am working harder than ever to succeed, I want to prove to myself that I can go higher,” said Diaby as reported by Sky Sports. I am getting to an age and to a time in my career where I need to show what I can do on the pitch in the long term."

He capped off a great start to the campaign by netting for France against Finland in their World Cup qualifier on Friday night. But the return to fitness hasn’t been easy by any means as he revealed the long road of doubt and fear. “Last season, before the Fulham game, I was shaking on the bench because I was scared of getting injured again. It was incredible,” said Diaby.

Although, he did maintain some mental resolve during the tough times as he added: “I had some very difficult moments, some days when I was depressed when it was tough, but even then, I always kept faith. I always told myself that some people were in a worse position than me.”