Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes Brazilian youngster Denilson is one of the unsung heroes of his Arsenal squad.

And he can help the Gunners win their midfield battle against Roma when the Champions League resumes next week.

The 21-year-old found himself an unlikely partner for Cesc Fabregas at the start of the season, filling the void left by departed countryman Gilberto after first-choice Abou Diaby was ruled out through injury.

Since then, Denilson - signed from Sao Paulo in August 2006 - has gone from strength to strength as the consistent part of a number of pairings following a knee injury to captain Fabregas.

The combative Brazilian, who is now on the fringes of his national team squad, has chalked up 33 appearances this season - all starts - which is more than any other first-team player.

Wenger has been impressed by Denilson's contribution, which the Arsenal manager feels often goes unnoticed.

"I am surprised how little credit he got for what he has delivered since the start of the season," said Wenger.

"He does not talk too much, but he is very efficient.

"If you look at the numbers and the amount of balls he wins, he is one of the top midfield players in the country on many indexes.

Wenger added: "He has improved tactically in his first pass and physically in the challenge. He is much stronger than a year ago.

"You can see today when he makes a tackle, he wins the ball. I am convinced he will be even stronger in six months."

Denilson turned 21 on Monday, when Arsenal booked their place in the last eight of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Cardiff.

The young Brazilian believes the Gunners have learned the lessons of earlier in the campaign.

"I believe we are way more resilient," Denilson told Arsenal TV Online.

"Since January we have been quite balanced and we have been winning the games we need."

Denilson feels a positive mental attitude has helped his development this season.

"I feel I have improved a lot and every day there is room to improve more," he said.

"Nobody is perfect and I wish I could perform brilliantly every match, but I always do my best to stay on in the team.

"I have been given the opportunity and I believe I am making the most of it.

"I know about my potential and I am still working to stay as long as possible in the first team.

"When you arrive at the training ground you have to forget everything outside and focus on your job - you have to think not only about yourself, but also of the team and the manager who is the one giving you that trust."

Denilson. who was brought up on the tough streets of Sao Paolo and lost his mother when he was a child, added: "When I stop and look back at everything I have been through, it just gives more desire to be a winner in life.

"I think this made me work and fight even harder to win in life and win at Arsenal."

Much like the Gunners, Roma have struggled for consistency this season.

Luciano Spalletti's side qualified for the knockout stages top of their group ahead of Chelsea, whom they beat 3-1 in the Olympic Stadium at the start of November.

However, Roma - who will play host to the European Cup final later this year - are facing a battle to get themselves back into the top four of Serie A, and are way adrift of leaders Inter Milan.

Wenger, though, expects a keenly-contested tie - which sees Arsenal play the first leg at home on Tuesday night - against the Italians.

"We find ourselves in the same position as Roma, because they started slow and have now found their strengths during the season," said Wenger.

"When you play against Roma you know there is one battle you cannot lose and that is in midfield because that is their strong point.

"They play with a congested midfield and with a lot of short passing on the ground. If you lose that battle, you will be second best."