Djourou is pushing hard for Gunners starting place

2:49pm Wednesday 19th November 2008

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ARSENE Wenger insists Johan Djourou has made such a vast improvement in recent months that it will not be long before he is starting on a regular basis for the Gunners.

The Switzerland international has been forced to settle for a place on the bench for the majority of his Arsenal career since he joined as a scholar four years ago. However, Wenger believes the 21-year-old is on the cusp of the first-team, and has warned the likes of captain William Gallas, Kolo Toure and Mikael Silvestre to be on their toes as the six foot three inch defender is breathing down their necks.

"Johan Djourou is not comparable to the player he was six months ago," Wenger told the club’s official website.

"He has gained in personality, in determination and in quality. I spoke with the Swiss national team coach last week and I was telling him how good he is.

"He is pushing all the other players [at Arsenal]. At the back you want players who are strong in the duels and strong in the air. Johan's size is a big advantage. He is among the top quality."