You would think that the longer Arsenal’s title drought lasts, the more supporters would appreciate how difficult it is to become champions. Yet for a section of the fanbase, every season Mikel Arteta falls short appears to trigger an effort to discredit what Arsène Wenger achieved in North London. One of the most persistent myths surrounding the Frenchman is that he could not identify defenders, failed to build his own defence, and was simply fortunate to inherit a strong back four.
That narrative does not stand up to scrutiny. The Invincibles were built on a defensive unit assembled by Wenger himself. Aside from Martin Keown, who started only three league matches that season, none of the defenders were inherited. Wenger not only identified defensive talent but also recognised qualities that allowed players to be coached into new positions.
Wenger’s Eye for Defensive Talent
Kolo Touré’s development is a prime example. In his first year in English football, he was a utility player used across midfield and at full back, standing out mainly for his energy and enthusiasm. Questions were raised when the Ivorian was selected to partner Sol Campbell at centre back. At the time, Chelsea had just been taken over by Roman Abramovich, Manchester United had spent heavily on Rio Ferdinand, and Arsenal were promoting a squad player into a key role while preparing for the financial demands of moving to a new stadium.
Touré went on to play 37 of the 38 league matches in an unbeaten Premier League season. As the club moved stadiums and the Invincibles were gradually broken up, he was required to grow as a leader, becoming one of the more experienced figures in the dressing room.
A Career Built on Hard Work
The 44-year-old has often lived in the shadow of his younger brother Yaya, yet he maximised his career through determination and consistency. Signed for £150,000, Arsenal later made an approximate £14 million profit when he moved to Manchester City. He won another Premiership there, played for Liverpool, and achieved a treble at Celtic during an unbeaten domestic season.
As part of his nation’s Golden Generation, he lifted the AFCON in 2015 alongside his sibling. Following an unsuccessful spell as manager at Wigan, Touré has returned to the Etihad as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, completing a career that underlines Wenger’s defensive judgement.
Dan Smith
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Kolo a phenomenal player with trophy laden career. Arteta for sure would have bundled him out if arsenal had him been his coach.
I’m guessing that English isn’t your first language, and you’re saying that if Arteta had been Arsenal’s coach, he would have got rid of Kolo. Why would he have done that to such a talented player?
So who DID bundle him out Cynthia?
Damn, that is some totally irrational opinion you have going there.
What a good player he was. If memory serves he started off in midfield, but Wenger soon saw the Centre Back in him.
His trial at Arsenal was a funny one, listen to it being told by Ray Parlour on talk sport.
Toure always gave his all no matter the game, and if you do listen to Parlour’s story regards Touré’s trial, he wasn’t shy at coming forward there either.😂👍
Derek, although Wenger played him at CB, it was the idea of Martin Keown to play him there.
Think he tackled wenger hard in that trial, fully committed to a challenge. What a player
Kenja001,
Apparently Bergkamp and Henry were in his firing line to.😂👍
Unlike his peers Kolo was and is disciplined on and off the pitch. This is why he still is working holding higher posts including as Pep’s assistant. Invincibles deserve every praise and recognition. Who’s then the no. 1 if not Kolo? It’s already become controversial. Offsprings differ this is why Pep likes one and may not the other. What would Sol say on the fairness of the rankings as Sol played mostly in partnership with Kolo who in the future Arteta may consider to bring in to the fold of Arsenal family.
Ambachew, my guess for the number one spot is Lauren.