Bye bye... Bisan or Pisang???

It was with great sadness to learnt that Lauren is leaving the Gunners. It was just so recent that he had recovered from long-term injury. Many gooners would have thought he would be challenging for that right back spot again. Well, the exuberence and talents of youth…what with Ebuoue and Hoyte waiting under his wings. It became clear that an exit was imminent.

It seems not so long ago that Lauren came from Mallorca in May 2000. I remember he had that ridiculous pineapple crop of a hairstyle…the one similar to wrestler, Booker T.

Whatever it is… Lauren’s name in Arsenal folklore is assured. It may seems like hard won eminence, however, this Cameroon international had season after season of excellence as the right-back. Not too bad for someone who was originally a right-sided midfielder and filling in Lee Dixon’s shoes. Lauren has risen above all and perform with consummate professionalism.

Lauren’s steady and calm resolution was evident throughout his unerringly rise as the right-sided defender. His instinct to go forward dovetailed perfectly with the fantastic attacking profile that Arsenal demands from their full-backs. He was quick off the pace, in sharp bursts coupled with the quickness of thought. My word… his well placed accurate early crosses to Henry and the other forwards was countless, among many telling Arsenal raids on opposition territories.

He was the right full-back who discharge his defensive duties so efficiently. A tough tackler… an excellent player most compelling when surging forward. He is, to me, one of the most accomplished exponents of a creative full-back in today’s modern game. I am sure he would strike a wonderful partnership with Sol Campbell at Portsmouth.

Players come and go…it might be distant memory that great ones like Overmars, Petit, Vieira were sold…trust Wenger to put in able replacements, as always.