Vassiriki Abou Diaby (French pronunciation: [abu djabi]; born 11 May 1986), known as Abou Diaby, is a French professional footballer who is currently a free agent. He plays primarily in a box to box role, as he is adept in both attacking and defending, and is described as a player who is "languid, elusive, and athletic" that can either "dribble past opponents or slip passes to team-mates". Of Ivorian descent, Diaby also possesses "superb touch" and "excellent close control". Diaby's career has been hampered by numerous repetitive injuries, a problem that has existed since his time in France. His physical appearance and positional preference have evoked comparisons to Arsenal legend and compatriot Patrick Vieira.