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Diaby - I'm open to deep-lying role

Abou Diaby
Abou Diaby

Abou Diaby says he is willing to become more defensive-minded and adapt to a deeper role in midfield.

Arsene Wenger spoke of the 28-year-old having "all the attributes" to transform himself into an effective holding midfielder following last week's Capital One Cup match against Southampton.

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Diaby is prepared to make that change but admits he would first need to adjust his mindset.

"[The boss and I] have spoken about it and it could be an option," he told the official matchday programme. "The boss told me he could see me playing in that position and that he thinks I have the ability to do it.

"I've never played there before, so it's something new for me but I think it could be an option for the team and for myself to add something to my game.

"I have an attacking mentality so to stay back and create the link between the defence and attack is something new. I would like to get used to it, to learn how to be effective in that role if I play there, and then we will see.

"The way I see the game will be different, as will my position. I need to learn how to do that effectively.

"First of all, when you play in this position you have to be effective defensively. I would need to track back, break up play and also avoid the opponent from playing through the lines.

"For me, those are the first things. At the same time, you are always involved, you take a lot of touches and you need to make sure that you play the right passes to find strikers and midfielders in good positions.

"You need to be able to contribute to both sides of the game."

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