Diaby and Denilson streets ahead of Flamini (15/8)

[begeegs]

I don't get the criticism of Flamini. I agree with alot of the positives that has already been said about him. He fights, he shouts at players and shows alot of leadership qualities that other players lack. He also has a tendency to - gulp - score goals, despite what people think of his skill level.

Against Fulham, he was all over the pitch and did slot in to bail out the back 4 on more than one occasion.

I wish people would get off of his back and give him the marks that he deserves. Some on here sound like the snipers that were after Gilberto a couple of seasons ago.

[Fab4]

Denilson hasn't done anything to make me think he is going to be any better than Flamini.

Has he ever done any ot the following:
Broken down a team's midfield?
Bossed a midfield defensively?
Arrived late into the box?
Made an assist?
Skinned 3 players? (not that Flamini has but Den is Brazilian)
Done a "Ronaldiniho" bit of skill? (see above)
Scored?

No. His shooting is abysmal and his passing is what is expected of him while playing for The Arsenal. He's done nothing special. Flamini has scored some important goals for us and will fight for the Club.

Well, yes he has done several of these. I remember in the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup SF, Denilson went past 3 Tottenham defenders (OK they were only Spuds!) with a few shimmies and fired into the side netting.

Also, his bit of skill as part of the build-up to Adebayor's first goal against Bolton in the FA Cup relay was superb. Maybe not Ronaldinho class but superb nonetheless.

[bofor]

The reason Flamini in playing instead of Denilson or Diaby is the fact both of them are out injured with ankle injuries. Perhaps Flamini gave them both a good kick in training as he knew it would guarantee him 1st team football, with Gilberto not ready to start playing yet.

If it was my choice between Denilson, Diaby and Flamini. I would have Diaby every time. The guy has so much more Drive and determination, which is exactly what are midfield is crying out for along with 1 preferably 2 goal scoring wingers, to gibe us that bit of width we are in desperate need of to start streching teams.

[ianeharvey]

If it was my choice between Denilson, Diaby and Flamini. I would have Diaby every time. The guy has so much more Drive and determination, which is exactly what are midfield is crying out for along with 1 preferably 2 goal scoring wingers, to gibe us that bit of width we are in desperate need of to start streching teams.

Would you choose Diaby in front of Silva? Playing Diaby proposes a different tactical style to Flamini/Silva.

[Cesc is God]

I think Flamini deserves to get the nod. He played well tonight and he is the one who likes to get stuck in!

[tompfarrell]

Denilson hasn't done anything to make me think he is going to be any better than Flamini.

Has he ever done any ot the following:
Broken down a team's midfield?
Bossed a midfield defensively?
Arrived late into the box?
Made an assist?
Skinned 3 players? (not that Flamini has but Den is Brazilian)
Done a "Ronaldiniho" bit of skill? (see above)
Scored?

No. His shooting is abysmal and his passing is what is expected of him while playing for The Arsenal. He's done nothing special. Flamini has scored some important goals for us and will fight for the Club.

Well, yes he has done several of these. I remember in the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup SF, Denilson went past 3 Tottenham defenders (OK they were only Spuds!) with a few shimmies and fired into the side netting.

Also, his bit of skill as part of the build-up to Adebayor's first goal against Bolton in the FA Cup relay was superb. Maybe not Ronaldinho class but superb nonetheless.

I'm sure I remember Oleg Luzny going past 3 spuds once too! And didn't John Jensen also do a bit of skill once? Ok maybe harsh putting Den in the same category as those two but please.

[gunners-need-steel]

I reckon the assessments of flamini are not very accurate .. as he has not been allowed to play in any one position in midfield long enough to get used to it, and excel .... yeah, he is not the most skilled player, but the ater carrier position doesn't need that much skill -- passion and discipline rate above skill in that position ... and flamini has oodles of passion, and I'm sure his discipline will improve with time.

The fact that he can go left or right fullback, as well as play in midfield makes him a very useful player to have in a team .. and I am sure he is not expecting to play every match, and will be happy to stay if he gets decent runs in the side, and will always give his all when he plays .. ahem, plus he scores some important goals ...