Laurent Koscielny, another gem found by Wenger (part 1)
‘The Professor’ is an astute manager, and under his stewardship the Gunners have been a major team to reckon with. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger is hugely criticised for his reluctance to spend huge money in buying new players, even if the funds are available.
However, Arsenal boss has an uncanny knack of unearthing special players from different regions of the world, whose services can be ensured for a relatively small investment.
Last season, following Kolo Toure’s departure for Manchester City, Arsenal had to sign a perfect replacement to fill up the defence line. Arsene Wenger duly brought in a relatively little-known defender from Ajax, Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen proved to be
one of the best singings of last season by the legendary manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners were in the midst of a defensive crisis in the summer, after William Gallas, Silvestre, and Sol Campbell left. The Gunners were linked to a number of defenders, including David Luiz and Thiago Silva, amongst a host of other defenders, but the
Frenchman splashed the cash on a player, who played only one season in French League 1 with his former club, Lorient FC.
Not much was known about Laurent Koscielny when he was signed by Arsene Wenger, apart from the expectation of talent among Arsenal fans because the usually frugal ‘The Professor’ spent nearly eight million to procure his services. And Laurent was doubtlessly
very impressive in his first appearance against Milan in the Emirates Cup, in which another new player, Marouane Chamakh, scored his first home goal for Arsenal.
Bottom of Form
LLaurent has since been an important part of the Gunners defence line. So far this season the young French defender has managed to start all the games for Arsenal, barring the game against newly promoted Blackpool that he missed on account of suspension.
Laurent Koscielny looks to be a very competent centre back, and over the course of the season Gunners fans will get to see the best of him as he adjusts better to the rigours of the Barclays English Premier League.
The early signs from the new signing of Arsene Wenger are very promising. The 25-year old is a very strong and uncompromising defender, despite being quite thin. He has admitted the need to bulk up a little in order to avoid being overpowered by strong players
like Darren Bent, who powered past Koscielny to set up the goal for Sunderland. The Frenchman has made a couple of mistakes in this season, against Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, but with time he should be able to cut out these errors.
The most delightful aspect of Koscielny’s game is the way he interprets and understands the game. The French defender intercepts many passes and crosses during the match. The 25-year old has the technique and ability to bring out the ball from the back.
The talented young Frenchman is a good tackler as well, and is unfazed by a one-on-one occasion.
Last week in the Carling Cup match against fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs, Koscielny made a remarkable sliding tackle on Aaron Lennon, and prevented him from getting his shot away. That tackle was a great example of his extraordinary defending and great
tackling ability.
Moreover, in spite of not being a tall lad, ex Lorient FC defender has also got impressive aerial ability, and wins numerous headers from the opposition attackers. Moreover, Koscielny approaches the defence line intelligently.
The Frenchman does not have a lot of pace, as he was exposed by Cleo in UEFA Champions League match, but Koscielny’s good anticipation and positioning will help him hold his own against the best.
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