Eboue “I am a midfielder”

After his reservations were quelled by Arsene Wenger Emmanuel Eboue now considers himself as a midfielder he claims in an interview given to Arsenal magazine.

Having told the boss that he felt happier playing at right back he was told that he was quick and could give more going forward in midfield. When Eboue said he would like to return to his former position he was told “No Manu, I believe in you and I think you`re going to be a top midfielder if you believe in yourself”.

Now he is happy to play in midfield and considers the home game against Milan in the champions league as a turning point for him. “Against Milan I was all over the pitch – attacking and defending – and it was good for me. It gave me a lot of confidence – I hadn`t played well in the previous few games, but the manager gave me belief and I was ready for that game”

Believing that he works well interchanging positions with Sagna he doesn`t see Bacary as a threat to his place in the team but rather more of a help. He cites the value he brings to defensive play in saying “I can help at the back and also go forward to assist the attackers?.it`s important for the team” A point similar to that which Wenger made himself when addressing shareholders recently about the need for defensive balance in midfield.

Reassuringly for supporters Eboue tells us that he wants to learn more about his new position and come back next season even stronger. Arsenal fans will be very pleased to hear it. If he does he wouldn`t be the first to prove his detractors wrong – nor probably would he be the last.