Premier League - Denilson: Fabregas not a leader Related Links

The Brazilian, who has been a fringe player for the Gunners this season, said the club lacks strong characters. Denilson's comments risk destabilising Arsenal ahead of their FA Cup third round replay against Leeds, at a time when they are in contention for their first silverware since 2005. "Fabregas is the captain but he is not a leader," said Denilson. "It's a personality thing and a leader can be young. It's something they are born with. "We are lacking leadership and we need leadership to go forward. There isn't a leader. I don't see one player as a leader. "At Arsenal it's more of a collective team at the moment, everyone is talking - but a leader is always important for a team." Fabregas attempted to defuse the situation on his Twitter account, writing: "Abt (sic) what Deni said. I've been in his situation before, just a misunderstanding. Now lets win tonite! (sic)." Fabregas also attached a picture of the duo as they travelled on the train up to Leeds, both players all smiles and giving the thumbs up. The Spaniard criticised Denilson after the first meeting between Arsenal and Leeds, when Denilson conceded a penalty in the 2-2 draw. He said: "They scored from a penalty that, at this stage when you are a professional footballer you cannot give away this type of penalty so easily".