Wenger: Djourou Is Ready

Johan Djourou made his first team league debut in the 7-0 drubbing of Boro last Saturday, and put in a performance that caught the eye of the gaffer

Djourou has only made a handfull of first team appearances for the Gunners, all of which have come in cup competition, but with the many injuries Arsenal have suffered this season and also the departure of Kolo Toure & Emmanuelle Eboue to the African Cup of Nations, Wenger has had to draft the 18 year old in quicker than anticipated.

Despite having very little experience, Wenger was highly impressed with what he saw.

?I feel recently he has shown that he has the qualities to do it,? said the manager.

?It looks easy but when you start to have players of 18 years of age who can play centre back like Djourou, that is a sign that there is a lot of strength [in the squad] and that gives us belief.

?Sometimes you need patience because I feel that our players develop well, mature very quickly, and develop into great players very quickly.?