Wenger writes-off African talent

Despite once being a great advocate of talent from the continent, the Gunners coach has struggled to unearth too many quality African talents in recent years

Mar 21, 2015 11:40:32

FEATURE 
By Victor Abimbola
After Arsenal’s Champions League Last 16 elimination at the hands of AS Monaco, questions are once again being asked about Arsene Wenger.
The coach is often criticised so fiercely because he achieved so much in the past at Arsenal, and it’s easy, when things aren’t going well, to recall the golden years of the manager’s early reign.
African Imports Key to Wenger's Glory Years
The most successful period of Wenger's time in North London was between 1998-2005, One major component of Wenger's success during these years was his African imports.
Even before he came to North London, he had a penchant for players from the African continent. He nurtured and developed Victor Ikpeba at Monaco despite the Nigerian having a difficult start to life at the club,
Ikpeba scored 13 league goals to help Monaco win the French title.
In 1999, after just 12 games and one goal for Inter Milan, Wenger struck gold by signing lanky Nigerian international Nwankwo Kanu who had just recovered from a life-threatening heart condition.
The rest is history,
30 goals in 119 appearances doesn't tell the whole story; Kanu scored important goals for Arsenal and rose up to the occasion when it mattered most. A memorable hat trick in a 3-2 comeback win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge remains the highlight of them all.

Kanu | Enjoyed perhaps his finest years at Highbury
Kolo Toure was snapped up from ASEC Mimosas for a meagre £150,000 after a short trial and went on to become an important member of the club's Invincibles squad. After coming into the team as a defensive midfielder, Wenger converted Kolo into one of the best centre-backs in England.
The same thing happened with fellow Invincibles teammate Lauren, The Cameroonian came in as a midfielder but was converted into a very effective full back by Arsene.
Alex Song was signed for £1 million after a successful loan spell at the club from SC Bastia. He went on to become a key member of the side and forged good partnerships with Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie.
The Indomitable Lion was sold to Barcelona for £15 million in 2012.
Strength has always been a most abundant trait with African players signed by Wenger, and there was an abundance of it in the coach's most successful teams.
Even Emmanuel Eboue, not the most successful, was quick, strong and physical. Despite his rashness and poor judgement in tackle at times, Eboue had an incredible level of strength....
Goal.com- greenadoartmedia.blogspot.com