Boyata has paid tribute to his compatriot Vincent Kompany for talking him through his surprise senior debut at Middlesbrough last month and subsequent first-team appearances.
Dedryck came off the bench in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth to deputise efficiently for Kompany, who Roberto Mancini fears could be ruled out for several games by a groin injury.
And impressed Blues skipper Toure, just back from his African Nations Cup tour of duty in Angola, is ready to treat the youngster to the benefits he himself as an Arsenal new boy.
Kolo said: “When I started in the Premier League I was playing alongside Martin Keown and Sol Campbell and they were always helping me out, so that’s what I will do with Boyata.
“Even though I’ve been away I’ve seen him play a few games and already at 20 he’s a quality player. I think that Dedryck can be one of the top defenders at the club.”
Kolo also took genuine pleasure from Emmanuel Adebayor’s scoring performance in his first start since the Togo striker’s traumatic experience at the African Nations Cup last month.
The Ivory Coast captain said: “I saw him out in Cabinda and shared his difficulties. It was really tough for him and his family, but he’s a tough guy. He has showed his strength.”
Toure will back Togo’s appeal against their two-tournament suspension for pulling out after the terrorist attack. He said: “It’s very unfair. When you’ve lost friends, how can you play?”
