There were some Gooners in the summer who didn’t understand Arsenal’s need to replace an injured Saliba.Some felt that between Mosquera, Timber, Calafiori, Hincapie and White, there were enough options to cover at centre-back until Gabriel’s usual partner was fully fit.Some of my peers even wanted Marli Salmon to be included in the opening game of the season based on a draw in a pre-season friendly!It was either arrogant to think a teenager could be his replacement, believing he is better than he is because they want to believe that, or the naivety of not realising how hard it would be for anyone to replicate what our first-choice CB partnership did last campaign.It’s actually insulting to their body of work for any supporter to suggest a 17-year-old could be an alternative.Thankfully, Mikel Arteta realised that not having one of your best players until after Halloween could be costly.Our manager often talks about how, in sport, the difference between success and failure can be decided by the smallest details.Arsenal Could Not Afford to Gamble on Saliba’s ReplacementThe common view is that Arsenal lifted the Premiership because defensively they are better than the rest of the division. Being without one of the main reasons for that for months could be the difference between that title being retained or not. Or, more specifically, how the Frenchman’s absence was handled.Damage limitation had to be the priority over a youngster’s development. It would be counterproductive to give youth an opportunity yet find yourself dropping points.The 25-year-old is deemed one of the best in the world in his position, so it was almost common sense that standards would drop while he wasn’t available.The expectation on Ezri Konsa was to use his Premiership experience to help Gabriel until his usual partner in crime returned.The 29-year-old has played in a World Cup and Champions League and can handle high pressure and, by all accounts, was one of the main leaders at Villa Park.Yet no one could have expected him to fit in at the Emirates so effortlessly.As a boyhood Gooner, any nerves about moving to North London would be understandable, yet you can see from his body language that he’s added another strong personality to our dressing room.(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Konsa Has Given Arteta the Luxury of TimeThe Gunners have still been able to go away from home and grind out narrow wins.While I would never say Saliba hasn’t been missed, Konsa has done so well that his boss won’t feel the need to rush Saliba back.Any other year, the Spaniard would be forced to fast-track his rehabilitation, which, with the hectic Christmas schedule, could be problematic.It’s comforting to all parties that Saliba can have the time to rest his back while knowing things are going well on the pitch.We fixed a Saliba-shaped hole for just £55 million, which, considering what others spent this summer, makes him a bargain.Dan SmithDo you agree with Dan that Ezri Konsa has proved to be a £55 million bargain for Arsenal?Join the conversation in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…The post Konsa The Great: Arsenal’s £55m Signing Is Proving His Worth – Opinion appeared first on Just Arsenal News.