Denilson

Denilson profile

• 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

• October 24, 2006

• Won 2-0

• First Arsenal Goal

  Newcastle United (h)

• Carling Cup

• September 25, 2007

• Won 2-0

This is a big season for Denilson. The Brazilian midfielder advanced perhaps more than any other Arsenal player in 2006/07 but cut a frustrated figure last term as injuries restricted his progress.

Denilson limped off after 18 minutes of the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham in January and did not regain full fitness until April. It was a real anti-climax after a solid start to the campaign which was punctuated by spectacular long-range strikes in the Carling Cup against Newcastle and Sheffield United.

Denilson has captained his country at every age group between Under-15 and Under-19 and received his first call-up to the senior Brazil squad in March 2007. He will be looking to force his way back into international contention this season.

To do that, Denilson will need to make his mark at club level and the chance is there, particularly now Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto have left. On the evidence of pre-season, Denilson's quiet efficiency and clinical distribution could give Arsène Wenger just what he needs in the engine room.