France coach Didier Deschamps hailed Abou Diaby as the "complete midfielder" after his match-winning showing against Finland.
Diaby happy with successful return for Les Bleus
France coach Didier Deschamps hailed Abou Diaby as the "complete midfielder" after the Arsenal man marked his international return following a long-term injury with the winning goal against Finland.
Diaby played just five times for Arsenal last season due to a string of injuries, including a calf problem and a broken ankle, but has started the Gunners' first three games this term.
That was enough to persuade Deschamps to pitch him straight into World Cup qualifying action and the 26-year-old repaid his faith by converting Karim Benzema's pass as Les Bleus opened their Group I campaign with a 1-0 win in Helsinki on Friday night.
And the coach, for whom it was a first competitive game in charge after succeeding Laurent Blanc, said of Diaby: "He is a boy with a lot of qualities, but I knew that. He is a complete midfielder."
Diaby hopes he is now over his injury problems as he has looks to establish himself in France's side.
"It was a good return, I was pleased. I hope this will be the real return," Diaby told
L'Equipe.
"I believe we have a very good team. Nowadays I know people rely on me. I hope to match expectations.
"I have worked a lot. I hope that match is a sign of fate and it will be a good year without injury."
