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As sad as I was to see Gilles go, it would seem that there is a silver lining to his departure, in the immediate promotion of young Kolo Touré, along with Jermaine Pennant and Jeremie Aliadière, who all appear to be establishing themselves as regulars in the first team squad. The lack of progress of the members of the Brady Bunch who have perennially shown so much promise has been frustrating. There was something of a Catch 22 to their careers, in as much as almost every game was too crucial for Wenger to be able to risk blooding youngsters and without a consistent run within the intense cauldron like atmosphere of first team competition, we were never going to discover if they were able to cut the mustard.
In the prodigal Premiership as was, it is likely that the Arsenal would have further bolstered the squad this summer with player/s of proven capabilities who might have continued to block the path of these youngsters to even a seat on the bench. The tightening of belts all round and the introduction of the transfer deadline could result in the short term risk of Wenger being forced to fast-track them into the squad as reserves, but I have little doubt of the long term benefits of homegrown talent, whose loyalty runs a whole lot deeper than the couple of years on their contract.
Arsène has suggested that he will rotate these youngsters, so that they take turns in the squad. Yet I imagine Kolo might be involved more frequently because he appears to be so incredibly versatile. He only arrived at the club in February from Abidjan, on the recommendation of a friend of Arsène's who runs a football programme in the Ivory Coast which Wenger supports. Kolo came as a centre-back and though Wenger decided to turn him into a central midfielder, he has impressed in friendlies playing out wide and at right-back for his country. Whatever position ends up being his best, I have no doubt that his pace, power and above all his enthusiasm will guarantee that he's a big hit with us Gooners.
Moreover the sighs of resignation that used to greet the illegible substitution sign during Gilles' time will now be replaced by roars of approval, as we recognize the introduction of a player who truly has the ability to have a positive impact on the outcome of a game. Anyone who saw the endearing interview on Sky, as Kolo was awarded the Man of the Match award at Stamford Bridge couldn't help but be taken with his typically African traits of politeness and the quaint use of English in which he referred to himself in the third person. It was also evident in the quote from Keown where he said "Kolo is a credit to his parents and family" how keen the youngster is to make the right impression.
Kolo's appreciation of his opportunity to play for the Arsenal would appear to be reflected in his habit of returning to the canteen (hardy an appropriate description of the refuelling facility at the Arsenal's swanky, state of the art setup at London Colney) after training and insisting on shaking the hand of absolutely everyone there. I imagine his gratitude and manners are a refreshing contrast to the some of the "big I am" attitudes of those youngsters who have been spoilt by agents and money and who expect success on a plate, merely because they've arrived at The Home of Football.
Considering how impressed I have been with Kolo, I can't wait to see his sibling Yaya. Aside from the fact that he has such a marvelous moniker, which should prove plenty of inspiration for the terrace lyricists out there, Yaya is rumoured to be bigger and perhaps even better than elder brother. Currently honing his craft at Beveren in Belgium, while he awaits European Union status, he is expected to follow his brother to Highbury. It will indeed prove interesting, if we end up with two Tourés who would leave Tottenham looking a Touré short of a genuine top of the table team (couldn't resist the dig in the current distorted climate).
In the immediate future (hopefully?) we have the return of Le Bob and Freddie to look forward to, which will obviously result in increasingly fervent competition for places in the first sixteen. Time may be running out for Jermaine, Jeremie, Franny and Kolo to stake their claim with the sort of cameo performances that leave Arsène faced with the pleasant problem of finding room in his squad for such a surfeit of talent. He may be a man on a mission, but aged only twenty-one, with time on his side, it might be fanciful to think Kolo could keep one of our established stars out of the team. Nevertheless, in the meantime I have every faith in him making such a favourable impression that our excellent Elephant from the Ivory Coast will become even more invaluable ammunition for the Gunners on the bench than that barmy geezer Gilles.
Allez Kolo!