Denilson backs Arsenal to spring a surprise

Arsenal FC midfielder Denilson predicts a close contest in this week's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester United FC, although the Brazilian is confident his improving side "can surprise people one more time". The 21-year-old, fielding questions from uefa.com users, also covered a wide variety of topics during the chat including his burgeoning career, the influence of Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's bright future and his boyhood hero.

How do you see the semi-final against Manchester United panning out? Can Arsenal win the Champions League this season?
Adeniyi Adegoke

It's one of those ties where nobody can predict the outcome. Many were too quick to dismiss Arsenal at the beginning of the season. We have made the semi-finals of two big competitions [including the FA Cup] and even in the Premier League we have managed to pull ourselves together when it mattered. United have an amazing squad and are the current English and European champions, so they have to be favourites. But we would love to surprise people one more time.

This is the first season you have truly become established in the Arsenal team. How have you found the experience, particularly since you have been filling the void created by the departures of Aleksandr Hleb, Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto?
Andrew Smith, London

I have been working to step in ever since I arrived at Arsenal and it has been a great experience for me. It's a big task to replace players like the ones you mentioned, especially Gilberto, a World Cup winner, but this is what happens in football. You have to assume responsibilities.

How much of a role has Arsène Wenger had in your development as a player?
Krishna Kumar

He has been great for my career, not just because of his psychological skills – he seems to know better than anybody else how to make a young player feel settled and confident – but also because Arsène can read the game fantastically. He helped me a lot to improve my marking skills, something that perhaps I was lacking a bit when I came from Brazil. It's a privilege to work under him.

Given there are so many young players in the Arsenal squad, what does the future hold for the club? What can they achieve in the years ahead?
John Jackson, Glasgow

The future could be brilliant because this group is growing up together and young players are getting the chance to experience the pressure of the big stage. This is priceless and should certainly be a plus for when we get older. The supporters have cause to believe this group can go far, even at times when things look difficult.

What type of player do you consider yourself to be?
George, FYR Macedonia

I am a player who obviously wants to win as many games and trophies as possible, but even at youth level I learned that nobody can do it by himself. Great teams are made of great components all over the pitch and in my position I learned that sometimes people won't pay you too much attention – unless you make a mistake, of course.

Who is your role model in football?
Abubakar Aba

Falcão, one of the finest midfielders ever produced by Brazil. He was amazing with the ball but could also play in a more defensive role, as he showed the world at the 1982 World Cup. He was also a model professional in terms of behaviour and attitude. I love watching old videos of him.

What makes you so calm when you are taking penalties – against AS Roma for instance?
Marvin Chibuye

It's simple: I don't make a meal out of it. Choose a side and don't change you mind. I don't practise penalties often either, because I believe it's more a matter of self-confidence than skill, although I obviously take some kicks here and there. That helps in real situations.

Is it a coincidence that Arsenal's results and performances have improved since Andrei Arshavin arrived?
Stu Morrison, Manchester, England

It's no coincidence, but then I wouldn't say we are playing better just because of one player. Andrei's arrival has helped because he's got quality, but let's remember that he doesn't play in the Champions League where we have been performing pretty well. Arsenal are a much better team than people give them credit for.

What are your chances of being called up by Dunga to the Brazil squad?
Leo J DaCosta, Columbia, SC, USA

That would be a consequence of my work with Arsenal. I dream of playing for Brazil, especially now there is a World Cup so close, but it's important to focus on what I have to do for my club first.

Who is your best friend in the Arsenal squad?
Veremey Dmitrii, Russia

I get along really well with Eduardo [da Silva]. He's a great person to work with. A player with his skills could be cocky, but he is incredibly humble. It's a shame he was never spotted by big clubs in Brazil before moving to Croatia, because I reckon our national team lost a great striker.