Tuesday, 20th November, 2012
Patrick Vieira believes that Abou Diaby has the potential to become a better midfielder than he himself was and is disappointed injuries have derailed his progress.
Vieira is now the football development executive at Manchester City, having hung up his boots in 2011, bowing out in style for the Citizens with an appearance at Wembley as they picked up the FA Cup.
The Frenchman made his name at Arsenal however, where he developed into one of the most feared defensive midfielders in world football between 1996 and 2005.
At international level too Vieira made a splash, winning 107 caps for France during a long career from 1997 until 2009. He was also part of the France side which won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Since his retirement, the search has been on for the "new Vieira", the player most like the Frenchman in terms of playing style and able to be an equally destructive force.
Several names have been advanced as possible heirs, including Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Juventus’ Paul Pogba.
But it is to his old club that he sees potentially the most similar player, in the form of Abou Diaby.
The 26-year-old has been slow to make progress towards realising his potential at the Gunners though, due to a series of injuries.
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"I’m frustrated and disappointed for him because of all his injuries", Vieira told France Football.
"If he could have had a run of matches he would have grown steadily and be at an exceptional level", he continued.
"Potentially he can be even better than me.
"Better technically, a better dribbler, more of a goalscorer also, more complete than me."
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