Denilson Biography

Denilson biography from http://www.contacttheplayers.com

Denilson is a defensive central midfielder for Brazil and Arsenal in the English Premier League. Denilson isn’t afraid of getting tackles in, with a never-say-die attitude that was first used by Sao Paolo in their 2005 Copa Libertadores victory. He has played in defence in the past, when his physique wasn’t suitable for battles with older central midfielders, but is fast becoming a force in the middle of the pitch. He has captained Brazil at every youth level, and was called up to the full squad in August 2008.

Arsene Wenger first heard about Denilson from his South American scout who had seen an accomplished performance from Denilson for the Brazil U17s. Arsenal paid Sao Paolo £3.5m for Denilson, as Wenger looked to bring in a future replacement for Patrick Vieira.

He made his debut in October 2007 against West Bromwich Albion, and remained part of the ‘Carling Cup Kids’ team the following season, gaining invaluable match experience. In July 2008 Gilberto Silva, who had treated Denilson like a son, left the club, and the central midfield spot was up for grabs. Denilson made the strongest claim for the spot, and became the first-team regular partner to Cesc Fabregas.