Denilson

Name Denilson
Born February 16, 1988
São Paulo
Brazil
Position Midfielder
Squad Number 15
Previous Club(s) Sao Paulo
Joined Arsenal August 31, 2006
Arsenal Debut W.B.A. (a)
Carling Cup 3rd Round
October 24, 2006,
Won 2-0


15. Denilson

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.
                                             
                                          My Year

April

Denilson enjoyed a fine end to April as he seemingly put his injury worries behind him. The Brazilian was a late addition to the field against Reading and then played throughout the dismantling of Derby, giving an assured and confident performance in the heart of midfield.

March

Denilson’s only action in March was the final 11 minutes of the draw at home to Aston Villa. The Brazilian was part of the squad that travelled to Italy for the memorable win in the San Siro.

February

A brief cameo appearance at St Andrews for Denilson ended a month of frustration as he returned from a hamstring injury.

January

Denilson returned from suspension at the start of the month but suffered another disappointment when he was withdrawn midway through the defeat at White Hart Lane with a hamstring injury. The manager revealed it would likely keep him out for a month. Denilson had played a part in the FA Cup success at Burnley and the Semi-Final first-leg draw with Spurs.

December

Denilson’s three appearances in December came midway through the month against Middlesbrough, Steaua Bucharest and finally Blackburn where a red card in the dying minutes led to a three-match suspension.

November

Denilson finished November strongly with three full games deputising for either Cesc Fabregas or Mathieu Flamini. He certainly proved capable in that department and his performances will have left an imprint on the mind of the manager.

October

Denilson did not feature in the league for the Gunners but was an unused substitute against Steaua Bucharest. He finished the month by grabbing the final goal of the 3-0 Carling Cup win against Sheffield United.