Kolo Abib Touré
(born
March 19,
1981 in
Sokoura Bouake,
Côte d'Ivoire), is an
Ivorian
footballer. He currently plays for
Arsenal F.C.
Kolo Touré is listed at 1.83m and 76kg. He makes up for a lack of size with
an impressive vertical leap, making him strong in the air. He is also blessed
with blistering speed. He is regarded as the second fastest player at Arsenal,
slower only than
Thierry Henry. Touré is also considered very consistent and very durable,
with few long term injuries.
Touré joined Arsenal in
February 2002 from
ASEC
Mimosas for £150,000, after impressing on trial, However, he did not make
his debut for the first team until August of that year, against
Liverpool F.C. in the
FA Community Shield. Initially regarded as a 'utility man', he started his
Arsenal career at right-back. However, the ageing
Martin
Keown was never properly replaced in the transfer market and Touré was
announced as the new starting central defender.
Touré quickly established himself as one of the best center backs in the
Premiership. He is now a first-choice member of the team, part of a solid
defensive partnership with
Sol
Campbell. Since Campbell's injury, he played alongside
Philippe Senderos; both centre backs had immaculate form, helping Arsenal
regain the prowess it had in the previous season (when they were undefeated in
Premiership play).
He has played for the
Côte d'Ivoire national football team since
2000.