The Brazilian midfielder progressed perhaps more than any other Arsenal player last season. He arrived virtually unnoticed on transfer deadline day because of the swap deal concerning William Gallas and Ashley Cole but, in only his sixth game, he was stepping out at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff to take on Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.

Later that season, he was named in the full Brazil side for the first time. He has captained his country at every age group between Under-15 and Under-19. Denilson was also part of the Sao Paulo side which beat Liverpool to lift the World Club championship in 2005.

Perhaps he does not possess the tricks of many of his famous countrymen but his quiet efficiency and clinical distribution last season saw him move from a Carling Cup hopeful to a Premiership contender in Arsène Wenger’s estimations.

After bursting onto the scene last season in the Carling cup after being originally being signed to play in the reserves for the first season he blew most Arsenal fans away with his assurance on the ball and such composure and acclimatisation to a league which would/should of been Alien to a teenage reserve from Brazil.

Games against Spurs in the league cup last season highlighted his strengths and this would propel him to new heights as he would start to get playing time in the Champions league and the Premier league. Last season he would appear everywhere from the wings to defensive midfield to play maker but the player himself has always maintained he likes to play the Cesc role.

Now this season most of his chances have come in his preferred role and on the most part he has impressed but recent question marks have been raised about his best position. He neither is a great play maker yet or a disciplined defensive midfielder which leaves him in somewhat of a pickle in terms of finding a place in this side. At the moment I don't think he has anywhere near the tools that Cesc has to lead the creative charge for this team and when he does play that role we seem to have a very tidy simple passer but not enough urgency and spark about him. Obviously the signs are immensely promising for a player who is still only 19 years old and has captained his national team on numerous occasions at youth levels, but what are your opinions on the young Brazilian and where do you feel his best position is/will be in the future.

i like the way he has been playing so far...its easy to forget how young most of our players are...it takes time to grow and develop as a player...i like that he has a player like Cesc in front of him, he may not be to the level of Cesc, but its a good player too look up to and learn from...i expect good things from him in the future

I don't like him. He can play in Carling Cup, but, for God's sake, he should never play as a starter in EPL. All he could do against Wigan was backpassing to Tourè and Gallas.

What a rubbish post, Denilson is a class act and will be a superstar in the near future. Cut him some slck FFS, not everybody is Fabregas!!

I can't see why we should play with Denilson if we are plenty of good CM. Denilson isn't ready yet, he must improve soon. And we can't afford to lose points.

what the hell????

Denilson is a quality player and definitely doesn't make the team any weaker. he's not Fabregas YET but he has the guality to be just as good. he has had performances that Fabreags would be proud of himself. when he arrived i was under the impression he would become the next Gilberto Silva but having watched him play he looks more like a player that can take on the Fabregas role.

he definitely isn't the player in our team that shud be in the negative light. there's players playing a lot worse not mentioning any names

Denilson definitely has a huge future here.

Luckily for him that Wenger is an expert at finding players best positions on the pitch. It will be interesting to see how he develops over the course of the season. Though I rate him very highly, I still think hes lacking 1st team quality... but thats the beauty of only being 19... he could wait another 3 years before breaking into the 1st team and still have a good 10 years of football at the highest level.

He's only 19 and IMO his only inferiority compared to Fabregas is he reads the game slower.. Thats all, give him some time, he'll be immense for us in the future!.

Surprised that some people can't see the quality he offers and the potentials he's got..imo he's the Brazilian version of Fabregas,only less experienced and needs to adapt to the EPL games a little more,give him half the patience we've been giving Walcott who has much more EPL experience than him and you will see how good he gets.

I’ve always seen denilson as a more direct passing type player than Fabregas. He can pass the ball very well but he is very direct when doing it. He won’t do anything special in terms of floating the ball over the defense like fabregas does or a pass on the ground which will split a defense. He is good at keeping the ball and he has a great shot on him when he does shoot.

He doesn’t deserve to be criticized for the champions league game against sevilla because we were awful in that game in defense and our midfield wasn’t really trying to be honest.

He will be a very good player in the future and I think its important we try and keep him because he has talent and it will just take time for him to start producing the goods week in week out.

Denilson is an amazing player and in 2 or 3 seasons time, it wont matter who is injured fabregas or denilson as long as one is playing we will see great things

It is ironic that he is not born with the natural skills Brazilians tend to have. I have not seen him do as many skills as his fellow countrymen can do, even the likes of G silva. I even ask my self how he could have taken free kicks for his former club... he really needs to improve that and against wigan, well that was just awefull corner kicks.

One thing that could count against him is, imo at least, he is easily the slowest moving out of all our CM'S apart from maybe Gilberto. I know its his style, but I often feel he lacks that extra burst of pace thats sooooo crucial in the Prem. I know Cesc isn't the fastest either, but I still think Denilson is a good bit slower.

Not having a go or anything, cause I do think he's going to become a class act but its just something I've noticed. Am I the only one?

To compare Denilson with Fabregas is an complete insanity and purely unfair for the Brazilian. The age of 17, Fabregas already played ton of games which were 43. At the age of 18, he already played a role to lead Arsenal to the Champions League final and other than that, let the statistic speaks itself. If only Denilson played the same amount of matches like Fabregas, perhaps he would be one of the top notch players in Premiership as well. But you can't really deny the contribution of his. He was featured in the road to the Carling Cup final last season and some of the top performances against top sides like Liverpool, Spurs and etc. He netted a screamer against Newcastle this season. IMO he's a carbon copy of Fabregas and I have faith in him to fill Fabregas' role when our number 4 isn't around. And mind you, not many Brazilian at his age adapts in a English club so well like him.

I agree with every bit. You guys ask yourselves the question, has Denilson improved anything about his game, since coming here? Has he changed anything in it? We learned that he possesses good through ball and decent tackling from his first game for the club. He kinda developed an immunity for cricism in the gooners' ranks afterwards.
Just another nice guy, that came after a typical Wenger move on the market, back in august 2006. With a good-boy attitude and one or two shy interviews he got under the fans' skin. It's not hard to fulfil the expectations, when there aren't any. But he actually started very well his Carling cup career and featured in all these miraculous games against several EPL sides.
Then came that game, the big final against the Unlimited resources. Our young and inexperienced side simply destroyed Chelsea in the first half and our central midfield was dominating. Cesc and Denislon were very lively while Diaby was outmuscling overpriced stars on almost every occassion. Then came the second half and after we missed several chances and that Terry/Abou incident happened, Chelsea were the better team in the decisive moments in the game (70-90th minute). Two things in Denilson reminded me of Vieira in that game, both negative. He vanished in the second half, exactly in the way Vieira did when we lost to that Wayne Bridge winner in the CL game. The second was the suicidal long ball through the centre of the field in the dying moments of the game. Giggsy remarks jumped in my head after seeing that Hideous guy outjumping Senderos for 2:1 at Millenium.
But after the fantastic performance in that game, the remarkable team effort, no-one deserved criticism. But I was really really surprised that no-one even mentioned Denilson, just for the situation.
Then I got a bit worried when we started seeing the guy more and more in the last games of the season. Not that his displays were bad, he was ok, but he never seemed ready for the first team. Wenger played him in almost every position in midfield, when many other guys could've been given a chance.
Which brings us to this season. He had two great games so far, Newcastle and Sheffield, unsurprisingly, both in Carling Cup. In other displays, he never looked like starting eleven material. He could've been sent off after series of clumsy challenges in a game when we really lost the midfield battle(Slavia away). Then that game against Wigan, when people were looking for excuses like "Diarra was attacking too often and Denilson had to do defensive work..." or "Denilson's link-up play was great" WTF. At the end of the day, we won the game, Gallas and Diarra stole the headlines, and no-one even thought about cricizing the already crowned "NEW fabregas". The icing on the cake was our last game, awful performances from our defence managed to remove the attention from Gilberto's and Denilson's horrific passes. Because 90% of the few things we created that night came from the wings.
Whatever we say or point out, all remains a matter of opinion.


Hardly an abyss between the first team chances of these two. Walcott only started three more games than Denilson. If he was really given half the chances of Walcott, we might have not heard his name.

And Denilson will never be the new Fabregas, not because he's an inferior player, not because he'll get more or less chances then someone else, not because he seems anonymous when it matters most, but the boy lacks character. Cesc had that at the age of 17.
And to the ones that will disagree with me(most of the people here) I'd say - don't worry, Denilson not given chances is less probable than Tottenham getting fourth. I mean, what has he done wrong anyway?

Wildly harsh but thats your opinion and fair play if you feel that way I suppose. Firstly can we drop this new Fabregas tag, nobody is Fabregas as his ability from 17 years of age to present was/is freakishly good and its unfair to draw comparisons at this stage. When we lose Cesc to suspension and Denilson plays we lose alot of urgency and creativity and we don't play the same, simply because Denilson is not as good and a different player, there is no shame in that at all.

Alright I admit Denilson's performances this season haven't matched the early performances of last season but we have seen when on form what he can bring and what effect he can have on football matches. This happens to basically every youngster around the world who was hyped and then fades for a while and the good ones usually bounce back to what they were producing at the start. Examples of this are players like Nuri Sahin who was hyped up ridiculously at Dortmund and then had a low key couple of seasons and now on loan at Feyenoord is one of their best players every week. Having said all this Denilson hasn't been bad, he has games where he cant get his foot on the ball and assume control of the game and this is what people usually class as a bad game from the Brazilian but if thats as bad as it gets for him then I'll be happy enough. He was good against Sevilla, very good in the first half and his performance seems to of been shrouded in negativity because of the loss and another myth is against Wigan he was pretty bad but Diarra was no better, losing the ball countless times but showing more urgency than Denilson which must be the reason he got noticed more.

I don't think judging Denilson on a couple of bad balls and a low key second half performance is anyway to go about things, especially in his first major final at the age of 18. He impressed on the most part throughout the game and this should be remembered more than anything else, especially taking into account the opposition.

I also would most definitely not agree with the idea that he is getting more chances than he 'deserves' I mean who are we to say that, Wenger picks him over the likes of Diaby and Diarra because he sees him in training every day and has to make the decision for the benefit of the team. Diaby has no future here in the middle of the park and I can say that quite confidently, why on earth would Wenger opt to play him as a second striker or on the wing and never ever give him a game in the centre of the park, not even in the carling cup. All this points to a player who Wenger cant see being an integral part of the team and being a central midfielder its pretty important that you adapt to the team you are playing in.

Denilson lacks character compared to Cesc yes, but again all comparisons with the Spaniard and the Brazilian are foolhardy and Cesc's character out there is comparable with the likes of Gattusso and Vieira . He has captained his national team on numerous occasions and surely this points to some leadership qualities, I am ready to give him time as I am sure he will have a big future here.

You are right, you really are. Wenger decides. But seeing the youngest of our central midfield players starting games ahead of people that might add something different to our game became frustrating recently. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one who realises how false is the Cesc TAG. We might not have a new Cesc in the next 30 years(provided that the world doesn't end and Usmanov fails in the takeover), but still have amazing talents capable of achieving things as a team. If you guys play Fifa you will see in the Player Edit Options for the development - Elite (Early or Late bloomer). Some people start to up their game after the age of 25..
So it's not that I'm impatient with Denilson, I just want to see everyone getting a chance and less interviews about lack of first team chances.

He needs to start above Gilberto. Currently, he is the one of the two fit creative players we have. He is a must start!

Your manager is too blind to see that Denilson- Diarra is a better partnership that Gilberto/whoever.
Newcastle proved how ineffective he's become.
If he plays against Chelsea, your midfield will get completely overrun by the more mobile Lamps and Mikel.
Arsene Wenger- For all his 'eye for detail' still stuck with the same midfield that sucked against Newcastle. Lucky you only conceded two today. Could've been much worse.

He's not blind, you know. He's trying to give some confidence to Gilberto Silva, before dropping him forever. If you had noticed, today Diarra went out for Denilson, not Gilberto, even if he's absolutely crap. Against Chelsea, you can bet Gilberto will seat on a comfortable bench.

I still don't like the guy, but he's Fabregas natural replacement. He's nowhere near to his skills, but in emergency he should start.

How many games must you lose in giving confidence to Gilberto? Seville?, Nearly at Newcastle, Boro?
Does a player need confidence at 31 and so much experience.
Denilson brings more creativity and mobility. Gilberto can't keep up with the pace and at this rate will sure ruin your season.

i tell you what tho...im confident gilberto WONT play at chelsea...



knowin AW tho....

I agree, Gilberto's recent form is a lot worse than what Denilson has shown so far. But for sunday there could still be a hope for Cesc and Hleb.

Much better yesterday, showed decent creativity throughout.

Very good yesterday. I'm not a denilson basher or anything but I also think Diaby should be getting more time than him right now. I just think he can impose himself more on any given game atm.

I’ve always been a fan of Diaby and Denilson. I think both in the team could do a good job and I can see this partnership being tested against blackburn (If they keep fit). Both can score goals and both like to have a pop at goal and test the goal keeper. Denilson is good at passing the ball and keeping it, while diaby is good at winning the ball and making large dashing runs into the box.

I have to say, we do have some fantastic midfield players in our squad who are young and have years ahead of them

Not many squads in Europe can boast of the midfield players we have. Diaby would fit in many European clubs with his power and strength. He has good control of the ball aswell and he doesn’t give the ball away like a certain sissoko.

Agreed. Probably, bar Flamini and Fabregas, Diaby is the best CM we have, because I think Diarra is just having a good run of form.

I miss the little Brazilian

Seems like ages since hes played, I hope he is back from injury soon and back to somewhere nearer his best. I remember last season especially in the second half of the season he was more or less on the bench for every league game but now we are out of the Carling cup and his form isn't to the standards of last season I don't know how he will get game time. Is it my imagination or did he play the whole second leg against PSV last season aswell ?

I went and looked that up:

Here you go mate!

Scroll down to the bottom to the line-ups.

It will be interesting to see if Den gets any sort of run out in the 2nd half of the season. He will have to work hard. Although with Diarra's departure and Gilberto's demise there is a good chance he will get a look in as it is now direct competition between himself and Diaby for the back up midfield spot. Its interesting as both can play in either Cesc or Flamini's role.

Edit: What injury does he have exactly does anyone know?

Hamstring.

He's had a very poor season, it hasn't been up to his past high standards. If Diarra was still an Arsenal player, Denilson wouldn't even get a sniff. It's all about form, and Denilson and Gilberto don't have it.

At the moment, I'd play Diaby alongside Fabregas, if Flamini's injured. It's just unfortunate he's injured too, and more effective on the wings than Denilson is, meaning his versatility damages his chances in the middle.

Did I say this? Probably I inverted the names, at least I hope...

I'm just wondering,where the heck is this guy and why doesn't he play as a winger when needed instead of Diaby who's very slow and likes to keep the ball longer than any other Arsenal player !,I see a lot more potentials in Denilson as a winger than Diaby tbh,he's got a great vision and has some playing making skills..unlike Diaby !

+1

Surely he'll make a few squads now that Diaby has received a ban and the 7 subs in the CL?

I really thought he would kick on thsi season but we've hardly seen him recently.

Assasinated?

Injured boys, he got injured in the same friendly as Theo against the Rapids at London Colney, he hasn't been seen since then I don't think. I look forward to seeing him make some squads though, Arsene usually puts him in when fit but I would expect him to play the next reserve game first.

He's been injured quite a bit unfortunately although he will have a big role next season for sure.

Gilberto will go which will leave Fabregas, Flamini, Denilson and Diaby, and perhaps Merida.

I did look on the injury list on Arsenal.com but didnt see him there, they do only get info from press conferences though.

Yeah I look forward to seeing him more next season, I was starting to worry he was being forgotten. Though Im still not sure where we'll manage to fit him in in the long term. He's kind of a natural replacement to Cesc so I suppose he'll just go on being a squad player for as long as he stays.

I would've taken him and Diaby in the middle today. He's still very young but needs to start producing the goods. More of that performance against Wigan will do.

pretty sure he was on the bench for the Wigan match after that friendly...

Where is this Denilson? Has anyone seen Denilson?

I heard he got spotted drug trafficking in Cuba.

Maybe having a ice cream with football agents....

Isn't he Britney Spears' new man?

He's run away with Rosicky to some new exotic location.

Ashley's Wonderland?

^I think this guy might have the answers

rumor is, he is a couple of days away... with Rosicky

He's at home playing his nintendo Wii

I say his on 'Rosicky Duty'
.
Keeping Rosicky's morale up, telling him jokes, dancing etc.

Either that or left the emirates to find an ice-cream.

just read this

DENILSON STILL MISSING FOR ARSENAL




The mystery of Denilson's whereabouts has intensified after the Brazilian was once again omitted from the Arsenal squad to face Manchester United this weekend and the club failed to provide any sort of explanation for his absence.


The young Brazilian has not been seen since being an unused substitute in the San Siro over a month ago and would have been in contention to make a start at Old Trafford this weekend following Mathieu Flamini's ankle injury. However, Denilson's name was conspicuous by its absence from the 17-man squad named for the trip.


While Flamini has been added to the 'Injury News' section on Arsenal's website, no mention of Denilson has been made on the page. Nor has the club updated his personal profile on their site to provide any sort of insight as to why he has disappeared from view.


Meanwhile, with Flamini out of action and Denilson out of sight, Gilberto Silva is set to play alongside Cesc Fabregas against the league leaders. The news should fill Arsenal with foreboding: Gilberto deputised for Flamini when the Gunners were thrashed 4-0 at Old Trafford in February and Arsenal have won only two of the Premiership and Champions League matches the Brazilian has started this term


stupid question...is he actually missing from arsenal all together like awol or is he training as usual but not being selected and the general public dont know why. reading all of these it seems like kno1 knows anything about where he is at all

Rosicky duty, Niiiiice.