Wenger confirms Toure's position

Manager Arsène Wenger has confirmed that he will not be moving defender Kolo Touré into a defensive central midfield position.

Since the arrival of Mikael Silvestre, many have wondered whether this signifies that Touré's position in the heart of the Arsenal defence is under threat, moving him instead into a midfield enforcer role.

But Wenger has denied this, saying that the Ivory Coast international does not have the required attributes to be the new Patrick Vieira.

The Frenchman instead hinted that he will still be looking for a central midfield signing, though he is udner no pressure to do so as Abou Diaby has the potential to fill that role.

Wenger said: "Kolo is not a player with special stamina.

"He's more a guy with big explosive power but he's not a long distance runner. Physiologically he's not a central midfielder.

"I'm not under any pressure. I feel Diaby will be a fantastic central midfielder, as will Song and Denilson. And we have Fabregas of course."

User Comments

Danju

Posted on 26 Aug, 2008 at 10:52 AM - Reply

Wenger be careful on signing. Sign those who will take us to first three.

geek

Posted on 26 Aug, 2008 at 08:06 AM - Reply

does that mean he would drop william 'girl'las?? yes please...

Toby

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 03:51 PM - Reply

We need some routine on the center midfield. I think Alonso would be the answer on that. But don't forget that cesc will be back soon. and so will rosicky.

Ebbisa(Wonderfabregas4)

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 03:45 PM - Reply

I'd been living 4 the last 10 years supporting THE GOONERS and admiring the Professor(Arsene Wenger).However,I never come across the game like the last saturdy agaist Fulam-which was not typical of Arsenal,that made me very annoying and I've highly disappoited with that.I've very surprided with what we can do with such unfit players like Gallas,Toure and Eboue? What is the meaning of signing Silvester? Arsenal was one of the best team in Europe playing football at the top clss.Thus,please try to eliminate such players and bring the best qualified players of Arsenal type.

Toluse Zaria NIG

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 03:44 PM - Reply

plesae Arsene we need a solid midfield we cant rely on scraps.
Cesc is a great player and needs quality to partner him as well.

Appiah

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 01:44 PM - Reply

What wenger is saying is true but we have to get an offensive mildfielder like barry and kader keita.This time around we do not have to go trophyless.We are thirst 4 cups.

Adefisayo

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 12:37 PM - Reply

please sign Alonso or any orther experience midfielder within the next two weeks so that Asenal won't run down in terms of quality of football as I knew the Gunners for and that they may finish ahead the likes of Man U, chelsea , liverpool and the spurs cos is better we start well so that we can finish well.Up gunners for life.

fireblade

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 01:20 AM - Reply

Mark my words on this one.
If Song gets the chance to play, especially in the midfield he will be the 'find' of the season.
You heard it here first!!!
Don't Know what happened Saturday against Fulham, we never got started!! Maybe it was the kick up the ass we needed??
We have the defence we need, the fire power up front, just need someone to link it all together, when will fab be fit?
In the meantime Arsene give Song a go he came on in the second half and looked like Dynamite!!

Fab the man

Posted on 25 Aug, 2008 at 01:05 AM - Reply

Im actually realy worried if he considers diaby as his main partner 4 cesc. 1) he always gives the ball away, 2) he is always injured. 3) he is always putting in bad challenges injuring the opposition.

He was awful against Real Madrid in Emirates cup also injuring Snieder badly in a so called freindly cup.

Ok every 1 in ten games he plays half decent. I think we need someone with more experience.

Eddie

Posted on 24 Aug, 2008 at 09:59 AM - Reply

If wenger doesnt sign a defensive midfielder with an eye for attack like alonso then we'll be lucky to finish 5th! Pull your finger out wenger loosing to Fulham and only 1 shot on target in th 85th minute is just CRAP!

Laban

Posted on 24 Aug, 2008 at 09:31 AM - Reply

wenger is costing Arsenal with his chooses, he should play players in thier best positions for example Walcot is not a winger,Dillsons is not an attcaking midfelder but he might make a good six,then let him play Van.P on the left,Nasri as an attacking midfielder in the absence of Farb, Ebue on the right then Walcot and Ade as the attackers.Pliz Mr.WENGER look in the funs they also want to get joy by winning trophies but only the board getting more money and besides in the long run you will money because once you donot perform, revenue will go down.

ALUSINE SUBA KANU [SIERRALEONE]

Posted on 23 Aug, 2008 at 01:50 PM - Reply

KOLO IS A FANTASTIC PLAYER BUT NOT AS A HOLDING MIDFIELDER AS THE MANAGER SAID. I WILL PREFER A RENOUN OR WELL KNOWN PLAYER TO FILL THAT ALL IMPORTANT GAP. PLEASE WENGER BUY BARRY OR VELOSO.

Gooner756

Posted on 23 Aug, 2008 at 10:13 AM - Reply

Ahahah. Song's gonna be a great midfielder?? YES!!!

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