27. Emmanuel Eboue

In his first couple of seasons at Arsenal, Emmanuel was a raiding right back. However last term the Ivorian became a fully-fledged right midfielder.

Having Bacary Sagna behind him, Emmanuel has full licence to go forward but his defensive heritage allows him to cover back when required.

Emmanuel’s primary aim these days is to add balance to the Arsenal attack. He regularly finds the byline and is arguably the best crosser in Arsène Wenger’s squad.

The African Nations Cup helped to restrict him to 36 appearances last term. Surprisingly he did not find the net but he did hit the woodwork twice in the Champions League tie with Slavia Prague at Emirates Stadium.

Emmanuel signed for Arsenal from Beveren in January 2005 and, within 16 months, was starting in the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

Along with Kolo Toure, he is a regular for the Ivory Coast.

 

MY YEAR

May

Emmanuel only started one game in May but was among the substitutes for the other four matches. He signed off for the season by coming off the bench in the 57th minute of Arsenal’s classy 4-1 victory over Stoke on the final day.

April

After a place on the bench in Arsenal’s first three fixtures of the month, Manu slotted in at right back in the absence of Bacary Sagna who had the flu. Of course, the Ivorian initially joined the Gunners as a full-back and in an exclusive interview with Arsenal TV Online Manu spoke of his delight at being back in the defence.

March

Emmanuel enjoyed a quite marvellous March. The Ivorian appeared in all six of the month’s fixtures and scored against Burnley before bagging a brace against Blackburn a week later. Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup win against Hull he said: "I’m starting to get some real confidence and I’m very happy because the boss has given me that, so I thank him. I’m trying to use it well and give my best when I’m on the pitch, for myself and for Arsenal, and scoring goals can only help."

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