Toure salutes Gallas

Kolo Toure has praised his defensive partner William Gallas for his recent performances that have helped catapult Arsenal to the top of the Premiership. Toure also highlighted the respect Gallas has in the dressing room with the younger players.

Toure has praised the 30-year-old's character, highlighting the respect he has earned from the younger members of the squad.

"When Titi (Thierry Henry) was here he was outstanding. Patrick (Vieira) was strong and Tony (Adams) as well," he said in The Mirror.

"I have played under some fantastic captains but I think William deserves to be mentioned among those names because he is such a strong figure.

"He has great maturity in a really young team and that's so important.

"The young players listen to him because they respect him so much.

"Both on and off the pitch, William is a really good captain. He is loud in the dressing-room, he has a big heart, and everything he says and does is for the team and that is the most important quality in a captain."