Arsenal's Swiss Army Knife: Johan Djourou Has the Skills To Help Club Succeed

On April 11, 2009, Arsenal encountered Wigan Athletic in a game which saw Arsenal's Swiss defender limp off in the 35th minute with a knee injury. The Gunners would go on to thrash the Latics, 4-1, despite the presence of their imposing Swiss.

Djourou's injury signified the termination of his 2008-2009 season, in which the 6'4'' centre half had been a strong performer, amassing 29 appearances for the North London giants. The Gunners would later realise that surgery would be required for Djourou and that the Switzerland international would not feature for up to six to eight months.

This came as a huge blow, as the young gun had finally emerged as a premium Arsenal defender who boasted strength, size and composure. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted Djourou would have to be very patient.

The following season breezed by with Arsenal once again coming just shy of silverware as injuries and inexperience had their say on Wenger's young men. It wasn't till the final game of the EPL campaign that Johan Djourou finally returned to the fray, coming on as a substitute against Fulham and applying a solid performance.

However, the 24-year-old was considered too tender and unfit for the Swiss World Cup team which was a blow to both the Schweizer Nati and Djourou. But as the Gunners geared up for the 2010-2011 season with a frail defensive line, Djourou was almost a full fitness, and with only four renowned centre halves, Djourou boasted the most EPL experience.

With defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen sustaining an Achilles injury in August, which has kept the Belgium sidelines since, the Arsenal defence endured a torrid opening start to the campaign. Djourou was utilized inconsistently due to Wenger taking a tentative approach since the Swiss had just returned from injury.

However, Arsenal's superb bout of form, which has materialized in the last two months of football, has seen Djourou play an integral role alongside being the leader of the back line. The imposing Swiss has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League with some efficient defensive displays which have epitomized power, strength, speed and composure.

Johan has also formed a formidable partnership that, save the recent embarrassment at Newcastle, in which Djourou limped off injured, as the pair have conceded just three goals in their last 10 matches. After sustaining a slight knee injury last weekend, Djourou is expected to return in the coming week as Arsenal prepare for a whirlwind battle with Spanish giants Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Last season, the Gunners were eliminated by the kings of Spain in the quarterfinals, but last season, the Arsenal defence did not boast Johan Djourou, nor the partnership of Koscienly and Djourou.

As Arsenal quest for silverware to diminish their notorious five-year trophy drought, it is certain that if the North London giants are to succeed, Johan Djourou will play a vital role.