15. Denilson

This is a big season for Denilson. The Brazilian midfielder advanced perhaps more than any other Arsenal player in 2006/07 but cut a frustrated figure last term as injuries restricted his progress.

Denilson limped off after 18 minutes of the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham in January and did not regain full fitness until April. It was a real anti-climax after a solid start to the campaign which was punctuated by spectacular long-range strikes in the Carling Cup against Newcastle and Sheffield United.

Denilson has captained his country at every age group between Under-15 and Under-19 and received his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad in March 2007. He will be looking to force his way back into international contention this season.

To do that, Denilson will need to make his mark at club level and the chance is there, particularly now Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto have left. On the evidence of pre-season, Denilson's quiet efficiency and clinical distribution could give Arsène Wenger just what he needs in the engine room.

 

MY YEAR

December

Denilson sat out the Gunners’ Carling Cup clash against Burnley on December 2 but didn’t miss a minute of the other six matches. Denilson’s highlight of the month came against Aston Villa in the month’s penultimate fixture when he slid Arsenal into a 1-0 lead against the run of play. The Brazilian robbed Nigel Reo-Coker on the edge of the area before firing his effort underneath the advancing Brad Friedel.

November

After playing 65 minutes of Arsenal’s first November fixture against Stoke City, Denilson went on to play 90 minutes in all of the month’s remaining matches (Carling Cup aside). The Brazilian continued his impressive form alongside Cesc Fabregas in the Arsenal engine room throughout the month in which the Gunners qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. “It was very important [to beat Kyiv]," said the Brazilian midfielder. "It's a victory that gives us peace of mind for the next match.”

October

Denilson missed the West Ham game with a minor back complaint but played some part in all of the Gunners’ remaining October fixtures. He started and finished the games against Everton, Spurs and Fenerbahce but was withdrawn after 74 minutes at Sunderland. The Brazilian’s midfield versatility was once again on display throughout the month as he played in the middle, on the left and on the right in his four appearances.

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