Arsenal's Diamond in the Rough: Emmanuel Yaw Frimpong

It is understandable that the main topics of discussion among Arsenal apologists, admirers, fans , and the English are Fabgate and Jack Wilshere. It is also understandable that the past five year sojourn and the resultant lack of trophies to complement have grabbed the headlines, as much as talk of who would and would not be signed by Arsene Wenger. What does particularly strike me is, the emergence of 18yr old Emmanuel Yaw Frimpong.

The young Ghanian-born defensive midfielder (even though the prospect of being poached too play for England looms) is one who has caught me attention. In Arsenal's Pre-season this year, he has been ever present and looks good everytime.

Powerful with poise on the ball. Tough and resilient, this potential midfielder is showing amazing talent for one so young. Always interested in having the ball, and actively affecting the game with his presence, calmness, simple and accurate passing, he is enjoyable to watch.

In the past year, a lot has been said about who would provide cover for Alexander Song, and in "Yaw" I think it is safe to consider that talk unnecessary.  Maybe lacking in a lot of top flight game time, and the strength to put in a consistent performance over 90 minutes, something that would come naturally with more games, and growth, this young man can be the next best thing.

In any case of doubt, a quick look through the past couple of years and the precedence that shows a colourful rise through the ranks of players like Mathieu Flamini, and Alexander Song especially after getting the chance of rubbing shoulders with some of the best opponents in the very interesting Emirate Cup Competition, points to the inevitable.

His most efficient performance in the above named competition was against an experienced, tough and dynamic midfield comprising of Mathieu Flamini, Clarence Seedorf, and Gennaro Gattuso. He chase, heckled, tackled, frustrated and dribbled the aforementioned players. His ball winning, disciplined measure (especially when getting bad call against him), dribbling, and ball retention was a joy to watch. What also interests this writer, is how he quickly looked to release the ball to those in good positions, switching play with easy and foresight.

He did lose the ball and make a couple of loose passes, but that is expected, from his first major test and it was encouraging how he looked to quickly retrieve the ball or cover another position when he lost the ball. He followed his 70 minutes appearance on Saturday with another tasking 90 minutes on Sunday, something to would surely improve his stamina building.

Indeed much more can be said about this rising star and in truth, it's best to lay back and watch him turn to another success in an Arsenal shirt.