POGBA: I LEARNT A LOT FROM DIABY

For any Gunners fan, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to forget the tall and lanky 6 ft. 4 midfielder, AbouDiaby. He’s a part of a growing list of players who made a long-lasting impact at the North London club.

He has received praise from a lot of fans and the media alike for his abilities and performances, especially in the red and white colours of Arsenal. French midfielder, Paul Pogba is not left out as he cited, in an interview with French TV program Canal Football Club, how big of an influence the 32 year old has had on his career.

Speaking to the French TV program, he said, “He was exceptional at Arsenal. People forget about him but I learnt a lot from him”.

When the Manchester United star was asked which midfielders he feels are better than him in the central midfield position, he mentioned a number of big names including Andres Iniesta, Luka Modric, Xavi Hernandez, Paul Scholes and David Silva.

“… Even AbouDiaby”, Pogba said with a smile, as if knowing the former Arsenal man doesn’t quite fit into that star –studded list.

However, AbouDiaby failed to stake his claim as one of the finest midfielders to have played at the Emirates Stadium; he will always be remembered for his unique style of play and his loyalty to the club.

Known as a towering midfielder, he played as a box-to-box midfielder with so much vigour and flair. After just a few months of joining, he was badly injured by an overzealous Dan Smith – a Sunderland youngster – who lounged into the midfielder, leaving him on the sidelines for almost a year.

His Arsenal career was plagued by so many injuries and he never lived up to expectations at the North London club.