Abou is injured at the moment. But with the departure of Mathieu Flamini, this can be the chance the guy needs to finally fulfill his undoubted potential.

Since his development as a premier league player was somewhat halted by a wild challenge by Sunderland’s Danny Smith in the closing stages of the 2005/2006 season, his has been a slow reintegration into the cut and thrust world of the Barclays premier league.

Usually played out of position during the about to be concluded 2007/2008 premier league season in the left midfield role, his ability to hold on to the ball for too long and get dispossessed by opposition players made him an infuriating player for fans to watch.

Abou however is more of a central midfield player, who one hopes, can fill the void in the central midfield department with the departure of first, Patrick Vieira and more recently, Mathieu Flamini.

Physically, he has all the attributes required of a central midfield player. Granted he will not run Flamini's miles, but he will play more like Claude Makelele, making challenges when necessary and driving the team forward with leggy strides.

Next season can be a career defining one for Abou provided he stays injury free (fingers crossed).